Caramelized French Toast with Vanilla Pears - OH MY!

Delish! From my local paper

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons butter (separated)
• 3  large  ripe bartlett pears, peeled,cored and sliced
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla (separated)
• 2  eggs
• 2⁄3 cup half-and-half
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4  slices  challah (or other sweet egg bread sliced thick like challah)
• 4  tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

1. Melt 2 tbls of the butter in a skillet.
2. Add pears, 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 tsp of the vanilla.
3. Simmer until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and transfer the pears onto a plate.
5. Let them stand a couple minutes to drain, then pour into juices back into the skillet.
6. Using medium-high heat, cook the juices another 4-5 minutes (don't stop stirring!) until they are thick and caramelized.
7. Remove from heat.
8. Beat eggs, half-and-half, sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and cinnamon in a shallow pan.
9. Add the bread slices and let them soak for 2 minutes.
10. Then turn the slices over and let them soak another 2 minutes.
11. Melt 2 tbls butter in large skillet.
12. Sprinkle 1/2 tbls of brown sugar on each side of the bread.
13. Cook over medium high heat about 2-3 minutes per side until crisp.
14. Place the bread on plates and top with a couple pears, the carmel sauce and some vanilla ice cream if desired.
15. ENJOY!