Peel and cut the pears into eighths, then put them in a saucepan. Scrape out the vanilla pod and add to the saucepan with the rest of the ingredients (without cornstarch or flour). Simmer over a low heat until the pears have softened a little. Thicken with cornstarch or flour (spelled flour is delicious, but it doesn`t have to be), then simmer for a few more minutes. Serve lukewarm.
Caution: The acid in the pears causes the milk to curdle a little, but don`t let it irritate, this will be reflected after it has thickened.