Mozzarella Toast & Caramelized Coffee Pears

I stumbled on this recipe (and dish!) by staring into my fridge for a good ten minutes and knowing I had sparse ingredients. I needed a glass of wine but my stomach needed something to nibble on. Voila, I scrambled about for 25 minutes and crafted this delish snack that is perfect with some wine. Even hearing Mozzarella Toast & Caramelized Coffee Pears sends my stomach grumbling and the effort feels totally worth it. Add a charcuterie board and multiply the quantities and you're ready to use this for your hosting menus too!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Serves: 1

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Ingredients

• Baguette - 4-5 slices

• Tomatoes - 2 (or puree)

• Mozzarella Cheese - 1 cup

• Basil - few sprigs

• Pepper corns - 2 to 3

• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon

• Chili flakes - 2 pinches

• Pears - 1

• Palm sugar / jaggery - 1 teaspoon

• Instant coffee - 1 teaspoon

Method (Mozzarella Toast)

1. Cut the baguette into 1/2 inch slices or as preferred. Slightly thicker the better so as to hold the toppings

2. Toast the slices over medium heat on a pan / tava without any butter or oil

3. On the side, make a puree of pre-blanched tomatoes or opt for a store-bought tomato puree

4. Add to the puree - chili flakes, olive oil, crushed peppercorns, chopped basil, and mild salt

5. Spread the puree onto the toasted bread, top with grated mozzarella cheese

6. Place back onto pan, reduce heat to minimum, and cover with a glass lid

7. Remove after 5 minutes, check for the perfect cheese melt over the toast

8. Garnish with more olive oil, and a spring of basil

Toast over low heat for the cheese to melt just right

Dust with coffee evenly over the caramelized pears

Method (Caramelized Coffee Pears)

1. Slice the pear lengthwise into long wedges and place onto paper napkin to remove excess moisture

2. Into a heated pan / skillet, spread out the cut pears. Make sure one of the sides is evenly touching the pan

3. Sprinkle palm sugar / jaggery over the pieces. Flip in a minute and repeat.

4. Make sure to adjust the heat according to the char, a light golden char will do

5. Lay onto a plate and dust with instant coffee using a sieve / tea strainer

Plate up for a solo date and indulge!