2/19/11

Caramelized Banana French Toast


A few months ago I fell in love with the french toast at Extra Virgin in the West Village. I raved about it, sent several friends there, and went back multiple times to feed my obsession. It was so good. I had never tasted anything like it. I didn't even imagine that I could make something like it at home until my mother-in-law suggested it when we took them there for weekend brunch. This weekend I was craving the french toast and decided to just look online and see if there were any recipes for caramelized bananas. Of course there were, this is the internet, people! So I threw this together and WOW. It was incredible. I couldn't stop talking about it all the day long. This was impressive.

Caramelized Banana French Toast

4 slices of good quality bread {challah? french bread?}
3 eggs
2 Tbs whole milk
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar
dash salt
2 bananas, peeled and sliced
3 Tbs butter
3 Tbs brown sugar
strawberries, sliced
whipped cream
maple syrup


Heat two separate skillets to medium heat.

Slice the bread about an inch thick. {And let's be honest here, do I have challah bread hanging around my house? NO. I actually had some fancy hamburger buns that I hadn't sliced in half yet, and I sliced them top to bottom instead to make little slices of bread. So my only requirement for your bread is that it be semi good quality, and preferably white, not wheat.} In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, white sugar and salt. Dip the slices of bread in egg mixture and turn to coat. Cook in greased skillet till nicely browned and crisp on both sides.

Meanwhile, melt the butter and brown sugar in the other skillet, and cook banana slices in sugar mixture to caramelize, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Arrange toast on plate, and pour caramelized bananas and extra sauce on top. Top with more syrup, fresh whipped cream, and sliced strawberries on top.

Serves 2! Increase quantities as desired!

2 comments:

  1. Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this. I need to make this asap and pretend I'm back in that charming brunch spot in the West Village. And think about all the money you will be saving now that you can make this at home!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This looks like an amazing breakfast dish!

    ReplyDelete