If you were wondering what to do with the heart-shaped bread cut-outs from our Valentine's Day recipes or just bored of the heart-shaped pancake shtick which always dominates the love-themed menu then look no further.
What you'll need
6 slices bread
12 raspberries (or other berries will do)
2 tbsp. mascarpone
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tbsp. milk
1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon oil
1 tbsp. icing sugar
Additional raspberries and powdered sugar for garnishing
Whisk milk, egg, almond or vanilla extract in a bowl to blend.Using 2.5-inch heart shape cookie cutter cut two hearts from each bread slice. Spread mascarpone cheese on heart slices. Place one raspberry on each heart and press them gently. Sprinkle raspberries with powdered sugar. Top each with another bread heart. Press on bread to compact. Place each sandwich in egg mixture; allow soaking for couple of seconds on each side. In a large frying pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sandwiches to pan and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Try these gorgeous filling combos: Peanut or almond butter with sliced banana or cherry jam and mascarpone are delicious alternatives if you can't handle such an intense Nutella hit. Or even go savoury: replace the vanilla and cinnamon in the egg mixture with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook as per instructions. Assemble the sandwiches on an oven tray. Lay out the bottom heart, arrange slices of ham, some gruyere cheese and a dab of mustard. Grill until the cheese is melted. Top with the other heart and serve.
Gorgeous recipe and main image, via
fromgardentosoupbowl.com. 
