Favorites: Bananas Foster French Toast

I've actually had Bananas Foster at Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans, LA. ( Thanks Mom and Dad. ) It was everything I had hoped it would be. The richness, the sweetness, the warm with the cool. Mmmm. This is a sure thing recipe. Every time I make it, people that claim they don't particularly care for French Toast absolutely adore this. It's easy and just takes a little prep the night before. I served it Christmas morning last year. I assembled it right before going to bed. A very content boy enjoyed smelling it while it baked as he opened his gifts, not to mention the rest of my family that had gathered. Don't wait for Christmas though to make this. Make it this weekend and show how much you love the people you baked it for.

1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp corn syrup
1 loaf French bread, cut into 12 slices
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract (pure extract if you have it)

In a small saucepan melt butter, brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat until smooth, stirring occasionally. Pour mixture onto large, greased jelly roll pan. Spread to cover surface. Place slices of bread in a single layer to cover pan. Mix together eggs, half and half, salt and vanilla. Spoon mixture over each piece of bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Remove from pan and serve with Syrup Butter and sliced bananas.


Syrup Butter:
1 cube butter
3 cups maple syrup

Melt together and serve.