Alright. I admit it. It is only mid-April and I've already botched my New Year's Resolution. All I have to offer for my excuse is one word: TAXES. Somehow, I got myself into a job that mostly revolves around them. I don't want to talk too much about work, but I will summarize by saying that nine months of my year are spent planning for tax season, and the other three are spent actually dealing with and doing taxes. So, I'm hoping you can accept this and we can move forward in our culinary relationship! So, while I haven't been writing, I certainly have been eating. That being said, today's post is dedicated to the most fabulous French TOAST my mom and I whipped up during a girls' weekend about a month ago. This endeavor was jointly inspired by my finding some awesome gluten-free bread AND the amazing sauteed pears my mom's been cooking up lately. Additionally, a 'bacon challenge' deserves some of the credit... The maple mixes with the smoky-salty flavor of the bacon to make the dreamiest combo. Start off by making some gluten-free French toast, however you like to do it. I just make it how I always have, but substitute some of the awesome bread from Be Well Bakery at Downtown Grocery. Next, proceed to making the pears! The recipe is for one serving, so simply multiply the ingredients by number of people eating! (You may find yourself making this just to nosh on alone. It's that tasty.)
French Toast with Sauteed Pears and Maple Whipped Cream
*Start with French toast your way, then top with the following*
Ingredients (per person)
1 pear, sliced thin
1 pat of butter
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried chopped dates
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
1 strip bacon, cooked and chopped
whipped cream (one pint)
maple syrup (2-3 tablespoons)
Directions
Begin by heating the butter and pear(s) in a pan over medium-low heat on the stove top. Cook for about 7 minutes, until pears are mostly softened, then add the brown sugar, dates and nuts. Cook for about 2 more minutes, until pears are cooked through, and the other ingredients have formed a 'sauce.' Plate the French toast, then top with the pears and chopped bacon. (You don't want the bacon to get soggy, that's why you don't want to add it sooner.)
Next, whip up the whipped cream, substituting maple syrup in place of sugar for sweetness. Then, put a dollop on top of the French toast and pears! (If you want to go lighter, this is the optional part. But it is seriously SO good. Do it. Even if it's just once.)
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| Fabulous French toast with sauteed pears and maple whipped cream |
