Drain pears, reserving 1/2 cup syrup; combine pears and syrup in small saucepan. Using a sharp knife, slice vanilla bean in half, lengthwise. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean; add seeds and vanilla bean to the saucepan. Simmer mixture gently for 15 minutes, or until pears are tender. Remove pan from heat; discard vanilla bean. Using a fork or potato masher, mash pears. Serve warm or chilled over pancakes, waffles, crepes or toast.