Persimmon Pear Caprese Toast

I’m not much for keeping secrets, so let me just go ahead and tell you all about your Christmas present now.  I got you a few things:  a giant, two-year -old orange cat names Jules Cat Stevens, and a half bottle of rum (I used the first half on this cider).  Truth is, I haven’t done a stitch of holiday shopping.  It seems like every time I try to shop for you, I end up buying myself a scarf from H&M and calling it a day.  Other truth is, I’m the worst.

I’ve been spending more time taking pictures of basil than I have shopping for gifts/scarves.

Ok Ok…  It looks like you’re going to get slightly worn H&M scarf for the holidays.  I think you’ll like it.  I do… that’s why I bought it.  Yes, I am, in fact, the worst.  I mentioned that earlier.

My only saving grace is that, along with your poorly wrapped, newly hand-me-down scarf, I’ll also bring along a mega-treat like these Persimmon and Pear Caprese Toasts.  This creation sort of makes me feel like an appetizer hero, and I’m hoping is saves me from my gifting disasters.  Please and thank you.

Let’s talk about the layers of this assembly!

I started with Fuyu persimmons.  These are the short, squat, firm persimmons.  They’re sweet and apple-like.  Think of what might happen if you smashed together an apple and a mango (minus the pit) during an October sunset.  This is that.

Red Bartlett pears are an important addition.  Firm is better than soft for these toasts.  We need pears to have body and keep body (totally my personal life motto).

 To surround our precious fruits we’ll add olive oil toasted baguette slices, fresh basil leaves, and beautiful fresh mozzarella.

I love everything that’s happening here.

Salt is essential.  It brings out every single subtle flavor in these persimmon toast bites.

I love combining salt with sweet elements.  The way the salt brings out the taste of the fresh mozzarella is one thing, but when combined with the sweet persimmon and pear… it’s just everything ever.  Savory sweet great!

This is a winter play on a traditionally summer and tomato situation.  I’ll always find an excuse to put fresh mozzarella in my face, and this dish is elevated and divine.  Because there are so few ingredients, every element is important.  Bread is toasted in a generous amount of good olive oil.  Pears are firm and sweet.  Persimmons show off their distinctly autumn appeal in thick slices atop the pears.  Fresh basil is fragrant and familiar.  Cheese… ooooh!  Lastly, coarse sea salt, fresh cracked back pepper, and a balsamic vinegar glaze make everything feel proper and thoughtful (unlike my lackluster Christmas gift offerings… I’m sorry for those in advance).