Here are the steps on how to pit and slice a pear: 1. Wash the pear under cool water and remove any dirt or residue with your hands or a vegetable brush*. Pat it dry with a clean towel 2. Place the pear on a cutting board and hold it firmly with one hand keeping your fingertips under your knuckles. Your thumb should also be tucked under your hand. 3. Take a sharp knife and cut off the stem of the pear to create a flat surface.  4. Use a sharp knife to cut off the stem end of the pear, creating a flat surface. 5. Put the flat end so it is standing upright on the cutting board. From the top carefully cut the pear in half lengthwise, following the natural curve of the fruit. 6. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds from each half. If the spoon does not do the trick you can also use the tip of a paring knife* to cut out the core. 7. Take one pear half and lay it flat side down on the cutting board. With the knife held parallel to the cutting board, make thin vertical slices across the width of the pear. Then repeat on the other half of the pear. Now you have pear slices ready for your salad. Be sure to be careful with the knife. If needed you can also wear a knife glove*.