Espresso Honey Mascarpone Pear Toast

Do you love toast as much as I do? It’s such comforting food to me. I recently joined a monthly bread subscription service with Bread Service @breadservice here in Greensboro. This stay-at-home dad turned passionate sourdough bread baker is a recent transplant from Portland, Oregon (along with his lovely family), and he’s shaking up the bread scene here in town. He uses fresh locally sourced and fresh ground grains in the naturally leavened bread, from the the help of his starter named “Gary.”

Since I’ve had a weekly supply of good, fresh bread on hand, I’ve been experimenting with lots of ways to use it, including toast ideas. I found some great pears at the local food co-op, and I’ve been making this Espresso Honey Mascarpone Pear Toast on the regular.

Here’s the recipe:

(serves 1-2)
For the espresso mascarpone spread: in a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon mascarpone, 1 teaspoon brewed espresso, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of lemon zest.

For the spiced pears: chop 1 pear. In a small pot over medium heat, melt 2 teaspoons coconut oil. add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom. add chopped pear. stir, and cook until pear is tender.

To prepare: toast your favorite bread. spread mascarpone mixture on toast. top with spiced pear, cacao nibs, chopped almonds, and cocoa powder. Or switch it up and add something that sounds good to you!