In these last days of autumn before winter sets in, the world is suffused with muted colors of cinnamon and brown. There’s a certain pleasure in dressing in layers of soft sweaters and jackets, in the warm earthy tones of fall. At home, it feels cozy with candles glowing and the aroma of spices filling the air. In keeping with the autumn vibe, I loving making different kinds of food that evoke the essence of the season. And one of my favorites these days is what I call Pear Toast.

Pear Toast checks all the boxes for me, especially on days when I want something simple yet satisfying. It’s quick and easy, I can make it in 5 minutes as a delicious breakfast or snack, and then laze around or get on with my activities – whatever I’m in the mood for. Moreover, it’s light and healthy unlike many heavier foods we tend to indulge in this time of year. So it’s a good choice for days that might include heavier meals later on.

It’s also delicious! I make the Pear Toast with good quality marathon bread which is essentially a hearty bread with dried fruits, seeds and carrots. After toasting the bread, I spread on a layer of truffle cream cheese, then top it with slices of Bosc Pear. To finish, I sprinkle on chia seeds and toasted pumpkin seeds and drizzle with a touch of honey.

The combination of these ingredients makes the Pear Toast not only nutritious, but also indulgent. It feels like a gourmet luxury toast that’s sweet, savory, and umami. The truffle spread adds a creamy, rich, earthy flavor with subtle nutty undertones. Meanwhile, the Bosc Pear – often called the “aristocrat of pears” – is crisp, sweet, crunchy with a warm cinnamon color that epitomizes fall, elevating this to a level beyond a simple toast. The chia and pumpkin seeds provide texture and crunch, and the drizzle of honey adds a golden glow on top of the cinnamon color of the Bosc Pear. It’s a visually beautiful snack.

Bosc Pears are in season during autumn, making this recipe even more perfect for this time of year. You can whip it up easily and delight houseguests staying over for Thanksgiving. This is a very adaptable recipe, and I actually make variations of this throughout the year, substituting other fruit based on season. In the summer, I use peaches – ripe juicy peaches with their vibrant color transforms the toast, giving it a different but equally delicious and beautiful character.

While I love truffle cream cheese for this recipe, you don’t have to use it. You can substitute with another type of cream cheese or even labneh, which I also love. Similarly, any hearty bread works, as long as it’s dense, toasts well, and provides a sturdy base for the toppings. I recommend using bread with fruits, seeds or nuts to complement the overall flavors and textures.