Serves about 6-8 as a side

8 tablespoons butter (preferably unsalted, but salted also works), divided
1 medium leek, washed and sliced thinly (just the white and very beginning of the light green portion)
2 medium pears, ripe but still firm, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4 inch slices
5 large eggs
1 1/4 cup milk (whole milk - it's the holidays, don't skimp!)
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3/4 cups grated smoked gouda cheese (smoked mozarella will also work if that's all you can find. experiment with blue cheese)
1-2 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, to garnish (optional)

crisp green salad on the side!