5baking applesabout 2¼ lb, peeled, cored and cut into ⅛- to ¼-inch thick slices
¾cupgranulated sugar
6tablespoonunsalted butter
1cupwhole milk
4large eggs
1 loaf(1 lb-loaf) brioche or soft French breadcut into eight ¾ -inch-thick slices
½cupchopped toasted pecansplus more for garnish
½cupmaple syrup
2tablespoonvegetable oil
Instructions
In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and the ginger until combined well. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss together apples, granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 4 tablespoon butter over high heat. Add apple mixture and cook stirring occasionally until just softened, about 8 min. Remove from heat.
In a 13- by 9-inch shallow dish, whisk together milk, eggs and remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, set aside.
Spread a heaping ¼ cup cream cheese mixture onto each of 4 bread slices. Top each with 1 tablespoon nuts and 6 to 8 apple slices. Cover with remaining 4 bread slices to make sandwiches.
Soak 2 sandwiches at a time in the milk-egg mixture 5 min per side.
Add maple syrup to remaining apples in skillet and stir to combine.
Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter to pan. Add 2 sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown. 6 to 8 min. Repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon butter and the sandwiches.
Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately topped with apples in syrup. Garnish with toasted nuts, if desired.
Notes
The key is to soak the "sandwiches" in the egg mixture.