CARAMELIZED FRENCH TOAST WITH VANILLA BEAN
Ingredients
Vanilla Pears
2 tbsp butter
3 large ripe Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Caramelized French Toast
2 eggs
2/3 cup half-and-half
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
4 1 1/4-inch thick slices challah bread (or other sweet egg bread)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
Vanilla bean ice cream
Directions
Melt butter in a medium skillet. Add pears, brown sugar, and vanilla. Simmer over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until pears are tender. Remove from heat and carefully remove pears from pan with a slotted spoon. Let pears stand for a few minutes, then drain any juices into skillet. Place skillet back over medium-high heat and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside. To prepare French toast, beat eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a large shallow bowl. Add bread slices and let soak for about 2 minutes to absorb mixture. Turn and let stand 2 minutes more. Melt butter in a large skillet. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar on each side of bread. Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp, being careful not to burn the sugar. Transfer to plates and top with pears, caramel sauce, and a small scoop of ice cream.