Vanilla Pears over Caramel French Toast
A simply delicious recipe! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert or even as a change of pace for supper. The elegant combination of pears and vanilla really comes alive when pared with sweet bread such as challah, however if you don’t have such bread any hearty variety (preferably preservative free) will do wonderfully. Egg whites can be substituted for the whole eggs; it will however make the French toaster batter a little thinner, and runnier, so remember not to leave the bread in for too long. Served with vanilla ice cream or vanilla whipping cream, well lets just say it will become a staple midnight craving.
Vanilla Pears over caramel French toast
Vanilla Pears
2tbsp butter
3 large, ripe pears peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
¼ cup brown sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Caramelised French Toast
2 eggs or 7 tbsp egg whites
1tbs vanilla 1tbsp sugar
2/3cup half and half cream
¼ tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
4 slices thickly cut (1 ¼” approx.) of sweet bread such as challah bread
~Optional~
Vanilla bean ice cream or vanilla whipping cream to serve with the cooked French toast
Over medium high heat, melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the brown sugar, pears and vanilla. Simmer gently for 3 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
Take off the heat and remove the pears with a slotted spoon into a bowl; let them stand for a few minutes then return any juices to the original pan (skillet).
Place the skillet back on the heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes over medium to medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and caramelized. Watch the sauce very closely and continue stirring as it can burn in a matter of seconds.
In a separate bowl combine the eggs (or egg whites), half and half, vanilla and cinnamon, stir well to incorporate all the flavors. Dip both sides of each piece of bread into the mixture allowing it to absorb some liquid, but not enough to disintegrate the bread itself.
Melt the butter in a large skillet and sprinkle each side of the bread with ½ tbsp of brown sugar. Cook over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until the toast is crisp, being careful not to scorch the brown sugar.
Transfer to serving plates, top with the pears, caramel sauce and a small dollop of ice cream or whipping cream, if using. Eat and enjoy immediately.
Makes 4 servings