Toast with Pear and Honey-Walnut (& Pecan) Yogurt Spread

An easy to eat breakfast is nice to have on hand for either running out the door, or to enjoy in one hand with a book in the other. This Toast with Honey-Walnut Spread is a nice combination of warm and cool, crunchy and creamy, tart and sweet.

I made a couple small changes to the recipe, noted in red below--using cranberry-walnut bread instead of the cinnamon raisin called for in the recipe, using a mix of walnuts and pecans, and sprinkling ground cinnamon on top.

Toast with Honey-Walnut Spread
Adapted from So Easy by Ellie Krieger
(Makes 4 Servings)

1/2 cup walnut pieces (I used walnuts & pecans)
1/2 cup plain Greek-style nonfat yogurt
2 tsp honey
8 slices cinnamon raisin bread (I used cranberry-walnut bread)
1 peach, apple, or pear (I used a pear), pitted and/or cored
(I added ground cinnamon on top)

Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly, then chop them finely.

In a small bowl, add the chopped walnuts to the yogurt and honey and stir until well combined. The spread will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just stir well before using.

When ready to serve, toast the bread and cut the fruit into 1/4-inch slices. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the walnut spread onto each piece of the bread. Top each piece with a few slices of fruit. Eat immediately. 

Notes/Results: A quick and simple recipe for a healthy spread for toast. The protein in the Greek yogurt and the nuts make it a satisfying way to start the day, or a slice makes a great afternoon snack with a cup of tea. I liked the extra tang from the dried cranberries in the bread I used--although the cinnamon and raisin Ellie uses would also be delicious. Because I didn't have quite enough walnuts, I mixed in some pecans and I enjoyed the contrast in textures. I will happily make it again.

This week's I Heart Cooking Clubs theme is It's In Your Hands--Ellie Krieger recipes that you can hold/eat with your hands. You can see what handheld creations everyone made by checking out the picture links on the post.