Pear-Mascarpone French Toast

Name: Pear-Mascarpone French Toast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Cuisine: Comfort Food Recipes, Comfort Food Vegetarian Recipes
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 piece: 321 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 159mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.

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?