Set your oven to broil on high, with the top rack about 6 inches down from the top burner.
Melt butter in a cast iron pan or another ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Then add the onions and garlic and sauté until translucent and lightly caramelized, approx. 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and add the quartered pears, lemon juice, cinnamon, and maple syrup, and toss to coat. Then place the skillet in your oven and broil for about 7-10 minutes until the pears are lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and carefully transfer your soup to a blender. Add the milk and puree until smooth and creamy. Taste and add some salt and pepper if needed.
Pour your pear soup into bowls and enjoy warm, OR let stand at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Enjoy this pear soup warm OR cold. It tastes fantastic both ways, but the flavours seem to really mingle nicely together once slightly cooled to room temperature.Leftovers will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for 3-4 days, or freeze airtight in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.