Baked or grilled onions

1. Preheat oven to 400. Halve the onions and arrange them in a greased baking dish or on a greased grill rack, dot with butter, and cook until tinged with black and brown, nearly charred, for 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, brushing with more butter or oil as necessary to keep moist. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or chilled.