Apple Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast could be this weekend’s highlight!
Here on the East Coast we are preparing for a Nor’easter. One of those big storms that bring snow or rain and wind, and ocean waves crashing onto the coast, Philly and DC.
I’ve been part of some doozies! One of my favorite things to do when the snow hits is to strap on my boots and wander the middle of the streets of New York City. You can walk down the middle of the snow-covered streets that are usually crammed with cars and buses. For a few hours the city is quiet and peaceful.
Needless to say, the impending moment of peace is preceded by mass hysteria. Seriously. New Yorkers know how to panic (and then thankfully they know how to cope). The store shelves are already empty. I doubt there’s a water bottle or loaf of bread to be had. But I’m going to go find one, and some apples, and some cream cheese. This French toast is perfect for staying in and waiting out the storm.
This recipe is inspired by fancy New York brunches, like the ones you eat at Norma’s or Sarabeth’s. (Wait…why are some of the most delicious brunch places named after ladies? Ladies rock!) The French toast, pancakes and omelets are always over the top delicious.
I’ve made it simple enough to make at home. Some stewed, sliced apples, spiced cream cheese and maple syrup. Brioche bread makes it extra indulgent but you can use your favorite bread, no problem. Even better, the fresh-squeezed orange juice won’t cost you $9. Nine dollars!!! New York is sometimes crazy. Sometimes.
- 1 pkg 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp confectioners' sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 5 baking apples about 2¼ lb, peeled, cored and cut into ⅛- to ¼-inch thick slices
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1- lb loaf brioche or soft French bread cut into eight ¾ -inch-thick slices
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans plus more for garnish
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
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In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon and the ginger until combined well. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, toss together apples, granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over high heat. Add apple mixture and cook stirring occasionally until just softened, about 8 min. Remove from heat.
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In a 13- by 9-inch shallow dish, whisk together milk, eggs and remaining ½ tsp cinnamon, set aside.
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Spread a heaping ¼ cup cream cheese mixture onto each of 4 bread slices. Top each with 1 tbsp nuts and 6 to 8 apple slices. Cover with remaining 4 bread slices to make sandwiches.
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Soak 2 sandwiches at a time in the milk-egg mixture 5 min per side.
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Add maple syrup to remaining apples in skillet and stir to combine.
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Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter to pan. Add 2 sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown. 6 to 8 min. Repeat with remaining 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp butter and the sandwiches.
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Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately topped with apples in syrup. Garnish with toasted nuts, if desired.
Check out these other storm-worthy breakfast and brunch ideas from Tara Teaspoon: Double Chocolate Muffins and Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes with a ginger butter syrup!
Recipe Tara Bench
Photography Kate Sears
Food Styling Sally Jo O’Brien
Prop Styling Anna Beckman
Originally published in Ladies’ Home Journal September 2008
[…] is to mix butter and oil for high heat cooking like sautéing in a skillet. I use this trick for my Stuffed French Toast and it works perfectly. Equal parts should do the trick, and you’ll get the best of both worlds, […]