Recipes- Brunch with the family: Apple Toffee French Toast

If you're a Costco Member, you probably receive their Costco Connection Magazine.  One of the last issues had a French Toast Recipe that my hubby really wanted to try.  Since the stars weren't aligning, we decided to have it for a dinner during the work week instead of a weekend (you make most of it the night before).  It was a tad on the sweet side so if you like that- great- but if not, I put adjustment tips below. Would also make a GREAT dessert!  Serves about 8.

Apple Toffee French Toast With Apple Syrup
French Toast:
8 cups French bread, cut into 1" cubes
3 tart apples, peeled and chopped
8oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar (lower to 1/4 for less sweetness)
1/4 cup sugar 
1/4 cup Tree Top Apple Juice
2 tsp vanilla divided
1/2 cup English Toffee Bits
5 eggs
3/4 cup milk
Apple Syrup:
1 cup sugar (lower to 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
2 TBS cornstarch
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 cups Tree Top Apple Juice
2 TBS lemon juice
5 TBS butter

My husband thought it was a good idea to teach the 5yr old to use a knife LOL

To make French Toast:
Place half of the bread cubes in a greased 13x9" baking pan; top with apples.  

 In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugars, apple juice and 1tsp vanilla until smooth; stir in toffee bits.  Spread over apples.  Top with remaining bread cubes.

In another large blow, beat the eggs, milk and 1 tsp vanilla until well blended; pour over bread.  














Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.  

Remove from the fridge 30 min before baking.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 min or until a knife inserted n the center comes out clean.

While the French toast is baking, prepare the syrup below.


To make the apple syrup:

In a medium sized saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple juice and lemon juice; heat to boil, whisking constantly.  Boil for one minute, then stir in butter.  Serve over warm French Toast.  Opt: put on a dollop of whip cream!