Banana Stuffed French Toast Recipe

Challah is the perfect bread for this french toast recipe. You can find it at almost any bakery on Fridays, so plan to make this for breakfast on Saturday mornings.

• Meal Type: Entree
• Ethnicity: American
• Holiday Category: N/A
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 firm-ripe bananas
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons Cointreau or Grand Marnier
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large loaf of challah, brioche or Italian bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting
• Maple syrup

Directions

1. Cut the bananas into 1/4-inch thick diagonal slices. Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, liqueur, orange zest, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside.
2. Slice off the heels of the bread and discard. Cut the loaf into eight 1-inch pieces. Then cut bread slices horizontally, nearly in half, leaving one edge intact to create a pocket. Fill each bread pocket with 4 more banana slices. Place the stuffed bread in a large deep baking dish in one layer. Pour the egg mixture over them, and allow to soak 5 minutes on each side, until all liquid is absorbed.
3. Heat the butter in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the toast in batches (adding more butter, if necessary), about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the cooked slices to a baking sheet in a warm (250 degree F oven). Place 2 pieces of toast on a plate, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve with warm maple syrup.
4. Serves 4.