Stuffed Peanut Butter-Banana French Toast

Here is another simple recipe that looks like it took more effort than actually required. This is a really rich and filling recipe. One slice is enough for a person, along with some fresh fruit and a tall glass of milk. I like this recipe because it a nice twist to classic French toast; I also like that I don't have to wait for this to bake in the oven even though it's so thick. I used baby bananas in this recipe because they were on sale, something I'd never cooked with before and just because they're so darn cute!

Tips

Taste buds - If you prefer more, less, creamy, crunchy, super crunchy or all natural, use the peanut butter that you like best.
Whisk, Whisk, Whisk - It is crucial that the eggs are beaten well into any French toast batter; otherwise you get chunks of egg white on the outside of your bread. Room temperature eggs beat together more easily than ones that are right out of the refrigerator.

Use the right pan - This recipe requires a large skillet pan with a lid.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4-5 slices

1 loaf french bread

4-5 Tablespoons peanut butter (of your choice)

1 large banana, peeled

1 cup milk

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 Tablespoons butter

Directions:

1) Cut the ends off of the loaf of French bread. Slice the rest of the bread into 4 or 5, 1 1/2 inch slices.

 

2) With each slice of bread, carefully cut a pocket in the base of the bread. (see right)

3) Take 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter and, with a butter knife, carefully spread the peanut butter inside of the pocket in the bread slice.

4) Thinly slice the banana into discs. Stuff 3-4 discs into the pocket of each bread slice. Set slices aside.

5) In a wide shallow dish (I used a square cake pan), thoroughly whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.

6) In a large skillet, melt the 2 Tablespoons of butter over low heat.

7) Place prepared bread slices into the egg mixture. Allow the bread to absorb the mixture for about 20 seconds and then flip it over to the other side. Repeat for each slice.

8) Place the soaked bread slices into the skillet and cover. 

9) Cook 7-9 minutes per side or until golden brown.