Weekends are wonderful. Time to work on all your projects, catch up on sleep, spend time with friends and linger over a leisurely brunch.

I've always had a weakness for French Toast. And this is the best French Toast. It's sweet from the bananas that are caramelized in butter and brown sugar and crunchy from the toasted almonds and streusel topping. Letting the mixture soak into the thickly-cut cinnamon raisin bread overnight is delicious, but better yet easy. You can make most of this dish the night before and then just finish it in the morning.

Spiced French Toast with Caramelized Bananas and Toasted Almonds

Serves 4, 4 mini loaf pans




¾ loaf of cinnamon raisin bread, thickly sliced

3 eggs
¾ cups milk
1/8 cup sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 bananas, sliced

½ cup almonds, slivered and toasted
1/8 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup oats
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Maple syrup

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, sugar, vanilla and spices. Cut the bread to fit the pan you're using. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and allow to soak overnight covered in the refrigerator.

In the morning, finish preparing the French Toast. In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and melt. Add the bananas and cook until caramelized, about 4-6 minutes, stirring gently. Set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a small bowl, combine toasted almonds, brown sugar, oats, flour, and melted butter.

Place banana mixture on top of bread. Sprinkle with almond mixture. Bake until topping is golden and filling is hot, about 25 minutes. Serve with warmed maple syrup.

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