Bananas Foster French Toast

Serves 6

Ingredients:

Caramelized Banana Topping

Directions:

1. To make the French toast, preheat an oven to 250 degrees F.
2. In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add the bread slices to the egg mixture and turn gently to coat evenly. Let stand until the bread has soaked up some of the egg mixture, about 1 minute.
3. Place a griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Lightly oil the griddle. Remove the bread from the egg mixture, letting the excess liquid drip off; place on the hot griddle. Brown 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place French toast on a rimmed baking sheet, transfer to the oven to keep warm while you make the topping.

Caramelized Banana Topping

1. For the caramelized banana topping, preheat large fry pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the banana slices and cook, gently turning them occasionally, until they begin to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and cook until it melts, about 1 minute. Gently stir in the 1/2 cup orange juice, caramel sauce, salt, and the rum extract and cook until the liquid has reduced slightly, about 1 minute. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more orange juice until it is the desired consistency. Serve the French toast piping hot, topped with spoonfuls of the caramelized bananas and top with whipped cream.