As the South Carolina apple season draws to an end, we want to share our favorite apple breakfast recipe.  It is absolutely decadent!  We found this recipe in the November 2010 issue of The Costco Connection, believe it or not.  And, we must give credit to the creator, Nadine Mesch of Mount Healthy, Ohio.  (You’re a genius Ms. Mesch!)  Here it is…

APPLE TOFFEE FRENCH TOAST with Apple Syrup (Makes 8 servings)

 FRENCH TOAST:

8 Cups French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (approx. ½ bakery loaf)

3 tart apples, peeled and chopped (we used the local Arkansas Black apples we picked at Bryson’s Orchard in Long Creek, SC)

8 ounces light cream cheese, softened

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup apple juice

2 teaspoons vanilla, divided

½ cup chocolate English toffee bits

5 large eggs

¾ cup milk

Cinnamon spice blend to taste

 Place half of the bread cubes in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan; top with apples.  In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugars, apple juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth; stir in toffee bits.  Spread over apples.  Top with remaining bread cubes. In another large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon spice blend until well-blended; pour over bread.  Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 deg. F for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the French toast is baking, prepare the syrup.

APPLE SYRUP:

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

2 cups apple juice

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pinch of salt

In a medium-size saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple juice and lemon juice; heat to a boil, whisking constantly.  Boil for 1 minute, and then stir in butter.  Serve over warm Apple Toffee French Toast, along with a dollop of whipped cream.