A Christmas Morning Treat

When planning for Christmas Day this year, I knew I wanted to treat my family to a special breakfast that we could share as we opened presents and spent quality time together around the fireplace. My favorite “special” breakfast is French toast, especially when it is stuffed with bananas. I realized I could make this breakfast even more of a treat if I combined it with a dessert, like bread pudding. With warm flavors, rich textures, and pure decadence, I knew this would be a perfect Christmas morning breakfast for the whole family to enjoy.

Banana French Toast Bread Pudding

Servings: 4
Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 bananas
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 NestFresh Eggs
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1/4 maple syrup
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 loaf French bread

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Peel and slice the bananas into coins.
3. Roll the bananas in sugar.
4. Melt the butter in pan.
5. Once the butter is melted, cook the bananas until they are golden brown (5 minutes). Set aside to cool.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the NestFresh Eggs, half-and-half, maple syrup, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.
7. Slice the loaf into 1-inch thick pieces and lay evenly into a deep baking sheet.
8. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread and top with the bananas. Pressing any exposed pieces into the liquid, allow the dish to soak for 15 minutes.
9. Bake for 50 minutes until set.
10. Serve with additional maple syrup.