Step 1 Peel, core, quarter and slice the pears very thin. Melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and saute the slices until they soften, without letting them brown, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Step 2 Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter 4 (4-inch-wide) ramekins or tart pans.
Step 3Mix the eggs and cream in a bowl and season with the salt and pepper. Stir in the pears. Divide the mixture among the ramekins. Bake 15 minutes.
Step 4Let the clafoutis sit 5 minutes, then turn out onto serving plates. Garnish with cracked black pepper.