Pear-Mascarpone French Toast

Name: Pear-Mascarpone French Toast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2 medium pears, peeled and finely chopped; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 carton (8 ounces) Mascarpone cheese; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot; 1/8 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided; 8 slices French bread (1 inch thick); 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; Maple syrup, optional

My twist on French toast features a spiced pear and cheese filling. This dish is great for Sunday breakfast or brunch with the family and is elegant enough for company. —Emily Butler, Canton, Ohio

Ingredients

2 medium pears, peeled and finely chopped
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1 carton (8 ounces) Mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
1/8 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
8 slices French bread (1 inch thick)
4 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple syrup, optional

Directions

In a small saucepan, cook pears in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or just until tender. Remove from the heat; cool completely.
In a small bowl, beat cheese. Stir in the sugar, ginger, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and pears. Cut a pocket in the side of each slice of bread. Carefully fill each pocket with about 1/4 cup of pear mixture.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla and remaining cinnamon. Carefully dip both sides of bread in egg mixture (be careful to not squeeze out filling).
In a large skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Cook stuffed bread on both sides until golden brown. Serve with syrup if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 321 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.

Originally published as Pear Ginger Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast in Country Woman October/November 2008

Reviews

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Average Rating:

86county

Nov 11, 2009

Mascarpone cheese is found in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores. It is used for tiramisu. It is in a tub like a cheese spread. Very good.
lolovan

Sep 22, 2009

I never heard of mascarpone cheese, where do I find it?