Styling by Willemien Steyn and Ilanie du Toit. Photography by Jeanette Clark.

Time for some decadent brunch!

TO MAKE THE MASCARPONE CREAM

1. Put the egg yolks, honey and thyme leaves in the top of a double boiler. *See cook’s notes on double boiler cooking
2. Cook the egg and honey mixture by whisking constantly over moderate heat until doubled in volume, smooth, thick and pale in colour.
3. Remove from heat and place the bowl into iced water.
4. Continue whisking until completely cold.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the mascarpone just enough to aerate and lighten it. Gently fold into the egg mixture.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.

To cook the pears

1. Heat a pan and fry the pears with a little bit of butter on a medium heat until lightly caramelised on all sides.
2. Add a bit more of the butter, the thyme leaves and drizzle the honey over the pears. Cook a little longer until soft.
3. Turn the pears to coat them in the honey butter mixture and keep them warm.

To make the French toast

1. Cut each slice of bread in ½ .
2. Whisk the egg, milk, honey and pinch of cinnamon together.
3. Heat a frying pan with a knob of butter. Soak the bread on both sides in the egg/milk mixture and fry in butter on both sides until golden brown.

Serve the French toast straight away on warm plates with the pears & generous dollop of the mascarpone cream.

A chilled glass of Joostenberg Noble Late harvest adds an extra, delicious layer of luxurious flavour, but a good coffee is a great match too.

How to cook using a double boiler for this recipe:  A double boiler is used to prevent overheating the egg and honey mixture and avoid scrambling the eggs. To make the double boiler, you need a pot and a round-based, heat-proof bowl that fits comfortably on top of it. Fill the pot about 1/3 with water – the water should not touch the base of bowl. Heat the pot of water to simmering point and place the bowl with it’s contents on top of it. Follow the cooking instructions in recipe. 

Photography by Oliver von Wiese

Recipe tested & cooked at The Kraal at Joostenberg Wine Estate by Garth Bedford.

This specific recipe was used recently to celebrate Matteo Delle Donne’s 88th birthday. It’s easy, delicious and provides at least 16 portions to make sure the entire family gets enough. Use Zandam Mascarpone – it didn’t win first prize at the South Africa Dairy Championships in its category for no reason 🙂

1. Dissolve the coffee granules in the boiling water. Leave to cool completely.
2. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Now gently mix in the Zandam Mascarpone, the condensed milk, melted chocolate and cooled coffee.
4. Roll the biscuits in the liqueur.
5. Place the biscuits and chocolate mixture in a bowl of your choice in layers.
6. Decorate with the Whispers or whichever chocolate you choice for the purpose.
7. Now comes the challenge – you have to put this in the fridge for a couple of hours (preferably overnight) before serving.