Bananas Foster French Toast

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 slices brioche bread (about 3/4-inch thick, 1 to 2 days old)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans (chopped or halves)
• 2 firm bananas (slightly underripe is best)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make the French Toast ---

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl or large shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, half and half, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.

3. 3

   Melt two tablespoons of butter in a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working quickly and with one piece of bread at a time, dip the brioche into the custard, then flip it over and gently press it down to thoroughly coat both sides, and transfer it to the hot griddle. Repeat this process with three more slices of bread.

4. 4

   Cook the french toast for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Flip the french toast and cook for an additional two to three minutes. Transfer the french toast to an unlined baking sheet.

5. 5

   Melt the last two tablespoons of butter in the griddle or skillet and coat and fry the remaining four pieces of french toast. Transfer the last four pieces of french toast to the baking sheet and place them in the oven. Turn the oven temperature to 275°F to keep the french toast warm while you prepare the bananas foster sauce.

6. 6

   --- Make the Bananas Foster Sauce ---

7. 7

   Add the butter and brown sugar to a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Heat the butter and sugar, while stirring with a wooden spoon, for 4 to 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is bubbly.

8. 8

   Stir in the heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pecans and continue to cook for about another minute. Stir in the bananas and continue cooking the sauce for another 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and remove the pan from the heat.

9. 9

   Serve bananas foster french toast by placing two pieces of french toast on a plate and spooning bananas foster sauce over top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to layer on the decadence if you're feeling frisky!