Apple Toffee French Toast

I was just thinking about how sad I am that lately I've been the only one posting recipes here. And then I found this lovely looking recipe in my inbox from my friend. Can't wait to try it. I'd love to have your favorite recipe too!!

-from Kammy Thompson:

"MMMMM....good."

French Toast

8 Cups French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tart apples, peeled and chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 sugar
1/4 cup apple juice
2 teaspoons vanilla (divided)
1/2 cup English toffee bits (next time I am adding a whole cup)
5 eggs (next time I'm going to do 6 or 7)
3/4 cup milk

Apple Syrup (to die for, in my opinion)

1 cup sugar
2 TBS cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups apple juice
2 TBS lemon juice
5 TBS butter


Grease a 9x13 baking pan, place half the bread cubes in, top with apple chunks. 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 the remaining bread cubes.

In another large bowl, beat the eggs, milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well blended; pour over bread. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the fridge 30 mi nutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 F for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean.

Syrup:

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

Makes 8 servings.