Caramelized French Toast with Vanilla Pears  

Makes 4 servings 

Vanilla Pears:
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
3 large ripe Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and sliced
1/4 cup (60 mL) brown sugar
1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla extract

Caramelized French Toast:
2 eggs
2/3 cup (160 mL) half-and-half
1 tbsp (15 mL) sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cinnamon
Four 1 1/4-inch-thick (2.10 cm) slices challah bread (or other sweet egg bread)
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
4 tbsp (60 ml) brown sugar
Vanilla ice cream

To prepare vanilla pears: Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high head. Add pears, brown sugar and vanilla. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until pears are tender. Remove from heat and carefully remove pears from pan with a slotted spoon. Let pears stand for a few minutes, then drain any juices into skillet. Place skillet back over medium-high heat and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

To prepare French toast: Beat eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in a large shallow bowl. Add bread slices and let soak for about 2 minutes to absorb mixture. Turn and let stand 2 minutes more.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle 1/2 tbsp (7 mL) brown sugar on each side of bread. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp, being careful not to burn the sugar.

Transfer to plates and top with pears, caramel sauce and a small scoop of ice cream.