Vanilla Bean French Toast with Caramelized Bananas

(The Smith)

NYC brunch restaurant, The Smith, is known for its signature Vanilla Bean French Toast. The dish consists of fluffy and sweet brioche bread in a crème brulée batter, served with maple butter and caramelized bananas. Chef Glenn Harris comments,  "It's a rich, satiating version of a classic dish that both comforts a hangover and makes you want to go back to sleep on a Sunday afternoon."

Cook Time:

Prep Time:

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Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound loaf brioche bread

1 stick butter

4 cup heavy cream

4 cup milk

1 cup sugar

6 eggs

1 vanilla bean scraped

6 ripe bananas

1/2 stick butter

2 tablespoon sugar

4 teaspoon bourbon

Preparation:

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until incorporated. Add vanilla, cream and milk and whisk.

Slice bread to 1. 5” thickness.

Place a pat of butter on griddle on medium heat. Dip bread in batter and place on griddle. Cook approximately 5 minutes on each side.

Remove from heat and slice in half triangles. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, top with caramelized bananas and serve.

On high heat, place butter and bananas in a large sauté pan.

Add sugar and let brown until caramelized. When caramelized, add bourbon.

Flame and cook for one minute or until alcohol dissipates.

Remove from heat and spoon over French toast.