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Banana Walnut French Toast

matthewtivy — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:52:37 +0000

Banana Walnut French Toast at Cafe du Soleil - Photo by Philippe Touitou

Here’s a good breakfast or brunch recipe for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. At Cafe du Soleil we serve this on our fall and winter brunch menu so watch for it in the next few months.

This dish is based on the classic dessert Bananas “Foster” – the only difference being that I omit the vanilla ice cream that’s usually served with it. If you’re feeling decadent, however, go ahead and use it, or pipe on some whipped cream!

Either way you’ll find it to be an easy and delicious way to impress your family or brunch guests.

Enjoy!

Ingredients to serve 4

4 slices of brioche or challah bread (about 2″ thick, cut in 1/2 diagonally)
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk, preferably whole
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon orange-flavored liqueur (optional)
pinch sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Bananas and Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar (preferably dark)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon banana liqueur (optional)
2 just ripe bananas, sliced into 1-2″ slices
1/2 cup walnut halves, shelled
1/4 cup dark rum
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
optional garnishes – powdered sugar, berries, fresh mint sprigs

Directions

Preheat oven to 200F.

Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, orange liqueur, salt, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl until combined. Pour into a baking dish and soak bread slices for about 2 minutes per side. It’s helpful to press lightly on the bread to help it absorb the egg mixture. If you feel like the bread is getting too soggy remove it from bowl sooner.

Heat a non stick griddle or 10″ saute pan or heavy skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Spray with cooking spray to coat lightly. Add bread slices and brown gently about 5 minutes per side, plus a few minutes standing on end to brown the edges. Place on a cookie sheet and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce.

Wipe skillet clean, then add butter to melt over low heat. Add brown sugar and nutmeg and stir until sugar dissolves. Add banana liqueur (if using) and bring sauce to simmer. Add bananas and walnuts and cook for about 2 minutes, carefully spooning sauce over bananas as they are cooking. Remove bananas from pan to a bowl. Bring sauce to a simmer and carefully add the rum. If the sauce is very hot, the alcohol will flame on its own. Allow flame to subside, then add orange zest and remove from heat (keep warm if not using immediately).

To assemble:

Place 2 pieces French Toast on each plate, divide bananas evenly over bread and spoon sauce over it all. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired and garnish with berries and mint.

NYC Chocolate Show 2009

matthewtivy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:13:33 +0000

Matthew Tivy Presenting Cocoa Vin Recipe at Chocolate Show

I was honored to be asked to present my recipe for Valrhona Cocoa Vin at the 2009 NYC Chocolate Show on October 31st.

It was a crazy weekend in NYC with the convergence of Halloween and the NYC Marathon (I’ll do a separate post for that when I get my photos).

Mini Valrhona Cocoa Vin

You can find the recipe for the Valrhona Cocoa Vin in my post of January, 2009

For more info on the International Chocolate Shows:

www.chocolateshow.com

Here are some other photos from the show:

Tempting Chocolate Display

Renowned Pastry Chef Jacques Torres

LA Times Article – Chefs Who Blog

matthewtivy — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:08:27 +0000

I added a link to an excellent article from the Los Angeles Times food section from March about Chefs who blog. I’m happy to be included in the article and thought you might like to see it. I have added a link to the article in my “Links to Press Articles” page above so please give it a read.

Marathon Photos and Link to My Band’s Videos

matthewtivy — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:45:00 +0000

A non-cooking post this week because I have been recovering from a lovely flu that seems to have overtaken New York City. Well maybe that’s a bit dramatic – but I’m a terrible patient in need of much sympathy!

Anyway, I thought I would take a minute to upload my marathon photos and let you know that I have added a link to my friend and band-mate Bill Hall’s website. It’s called Modesty Blaze and you can click on the link on the right and then look for the videos for Evil Prince Ludwig (my favorite is Rikki Don’t Lose That Number by Steely Dan). Enjoy.

Happy New Year!!

matthewtivy — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:02:18 +0000

Dear Readers,

I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2008!!!!

Thank you for being a part of my blog. Please let me know what you would like to see here in 2008.

My best wishes to you and yours…

Matthew