Work quickly, and you will not need to worry that the flesh will darkenΓÇöthe pears will whiten in the kirsch. Melt over medium heat in your largest skillet, one in which the pears will just fit in a single layer:
2 tablespoons butter, preferably unsalted
Add the pears and sprinkle over:
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup kirsch
Cook over medium-low heat, turning the pears frequently with a wooden spoon, until they are tender when tested with a thin skewer, 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the pears. Arrange the pears, cut sides down, in a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Add to the skillet:
1/4 cup heavy cream
Boil this sauce over high heat until slightly thickened, 30 seconds to 2 minutes, then pour over the pears. Bake just until the cream on top sets into a skin, about 10 minutes. Serve at once. The dish will look plain but needs no garnish.