For the most satisfying toast, pic up a hearty, whole-grain loaf from your local bakery – a hefty sandwich loaf or boule shape will offer the perfect sized slices with more surface area for the toppings.

A delicious tahini is a must – I like Live Superfoods stone-ground, organic tahini. This smooth, creamy sesame seed paste is rich in protein and contains antioxidants and unique lignans (sesamin and sesamolin), known to support the liver and healthy cholesterol levels. If you're really adventurous, try JEM's cashew curry tahini for a big pop of flavor. 

I N G R E D I E N T S

Choose organic for all the ingredients, if possible.

½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1½ tsp honey

1½ Tbsp tahini, divided

2 whole-grain bread slices, toasted (gluten-free can easily be substituted)

½ firm-ripe medium-size pear, unpeeled and thinly sliced

1 Tbsp chopped walnuts

1/8 tsp flaky or kosher salt

D I R E C T I O N S

Stir together ricotta cheese, honey and 1½ teaspoons tahini in a bowl.

Spread about ¼ cup ricotta mixture evenly over each toast slice.

Top evenly with pear slices; sprinkle with walnuts. Drizzle each toast with 1½ teaspoons tahini, and sprinkle evenly with salt.

Serves 2 (serving size: 1 toast)

Calories 330; Fat 15g (sat 4g, unsat 9g); Protein 15g; Carb 36g; Fiber 5g; Sugars 12g (added sugars 4g); Sodium 348mg; Calc 24% DV; Potassium 6% DV