Roast Duck with Pears

Rinse the duck and pat dry. Rub the duck inside and outside with salt and pepper.

Halve the vanilla pod lengthwise, scrape out the insides and mix thoroughly with the butter. Using a spatula, spread the vanilla butter on the duck.

Lay the duck, breast side down, in a roasting pan. Add 150 ml (approximately 2/3 cup) of water and place in a preheated oven (160°C or approximately 325°F). Cook for 35 minutes, then turn the duck, raise the heat to 250°C (approximately 475°F) and cook for another 15 minutes. Baste the duck as needed during the cooking time. Before the end of the cooking time, peel the pears, add to the roasting pan, sprinkle with cinnamon and season lightly with salt and pepper.