Pear-Mascarpone French Toast

• 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. In a large skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Cook stuffed bread on both sides until golden brown. Serve with syrup if desired.

butter, mascarpone cheese, sugar, fresh gingerroot, ground cinnamon, bread, eggs, milk, vanilla, maple syrup

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pear-mascarpone-french-toast/ (may not work)