Stewed Pears

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary:

stewed
Pronunciation: \ˈstüd\
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1737
: DRUNK 1a

secondary meaning:
Main Entry: 2 stew
Function: verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
: to boil slowly or with simmering heat
intransitive verb
1 : to become cooked by stewing

These pears are stewed, in both senses of the word. I used firm (and perfectly bite-sized when sliced) Seckel pears for this recipe, but Bosc pears are also a good option.

1 1/2 Tbsp butter
8 Seckel pears, sliced
juice of 1 orange
1 oz bourbon
1/4 cup real maple syrup
3 drops vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Heat a small saucepan over low heat. Add butter and let it melt. Add remaining ingredients, and toss to coat pears evenly. Simmer for 25 minutes, or until liquid is reduced. Spoon over French toast, pancakes, or ice cream.