PEAR-MASCARPONE FRENCH TOAST

Pear-Mascarpone French Toast image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

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

Steps:

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 : Calories 321 calories, Fat 23g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 159mg cholesterol, Sodium 238mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.