Chocolate-Banana French Toast

Using only kitchen/pantry staple ingredients, you can provide yourself with a simple, toothsome breakfast. And it's a quick way to use up random fruits and nuts that you have laying around. I tossed in a banana and some chocolate chips, but the flavor combinations are limitless.

What you need:

Eggs > beaten

Cream > 1/2 c. per 2 eggs used. I like using whipping cream. Lowfat/skim milk will work, but won't give you that yummy custardy texture that french toast is all about.

Sugar > 1 tbsp. per 2 eggs used

Vanilla extract > 1 tsp. per 2 eggs used

Cinnamon > 1 tsp. per 2 eggs used

Nutmeg > pinch

Sliced bread > any variety

Butter > unsalted

Banana > sliced

Chocolate chips

Maple syrup

For the French Toast >> Beat the first 6 ingredients together until mixed well. The whipping cream makes the resultant mixture light and frothy which is why I like to use it. Dunk your bread in the egg mixture, making sure each slice is thoroughly soaked all the way through. Heat up some butter in a nonstick skillet on med. heat, put the bread in, and fry until both sides are nice and browned, and the center of the bread is slightly firm to the touch.

For the Topping >> In a separate pan on med. heat, add a pat of butter, the sliced banana and saute until softened and slightly browned.

Plate it >> Plate the french toast, top with the sauteed banana, sprinkle on chocolate chips and drown in maple syrup.