“Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote”

First, Happy Mother’s Day to all my friends, family and fellow foodies! Next, are you looking for a special recipe to start Mom’s day off right? Keep reading as I’ve got a delicious breakfast planned. Almost always as kids, my Dad would plan a day that started off with church and a dinner out with Mom and then a drive to see family. But as I got older and my cooking skills were more advanced, I started cooking a special meal for Mom. So when I was creating my recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote, I realized this recipe had Mom’s name all over it. She made delicious french toast.

What’s not to love? Fresh bread swirled with cinnamon and sugar, cut into thick slices. Buy a whole loaf if you can find it because you can slice the bread into the thickness you prefer. I happen to prefer thick slices at least 1/2-inch to 3/4-inches. I find thinner slices get soggy and don’t hold up with toppings other than syrup. But sometimes you want more than syrup. You dip your bread into an egg mixture and cook in a skillet of melted butter. Heaven on a plate is just beginning.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote

I recommend making the Spiced Apple Compote before starting the french toast. It’s easy to keep warm or warm it up when ready to serve. Maybe you’ll be serving bacon or sausage with your french toast? Cook your meat in advance as well. This makes serving everything at the same time so much easier if you’re cooking for quite a few people. Consequently, this is an easy recipe to make for a large party. In the picture above, I made Baked Brown Sugar Pork Belly Slices.

Now about the compote…just peel, core and thinly slice your apples. Toss with all dry ingredients and place apple mixture in a saucepan over medium heat then add water, butter and cook until soft. The compote reminds me of my Mom’s stewed apples she would serve as a side with barbecue in the summertime. Serve the warm compote on top of french toast with a nice dollop of Mascarpone cheese. It’s my go-to in place of butter sometimes. You can serve your french toast with syrup if you’d like for family, friends and those who have a sweet tooth.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote

You have now created a breakfast masterpiece for Mom. And isn’t that what Mother’s Day is for? Celebrate your love and appreciation for the most special women in your life by making this recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote. So Happy Mother’s Day to all Mom’s, hoping each of you have a fun and blessed day. Love and Miss you Mom! 

Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote

 

Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote

1 loaf cinnamon swirl bread, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch slices (6-8 for recipe)

4 eggs

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup milk

3 T. light brown sugar

1/2 t. vanilla extract

Pinch of kosher salt

Butter

Mascarpone cheese, softened

Spiced Apple Compote (recipe follows)

In a large mixing bowl with wire whisk beat eggs then add the heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla and salt until well combined.

Melt 2 T. butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Soak each bread slice in egg mixture for about 20 seconds until thoroughly coated. Place 3 slices in skillet at a time, cooking 3 – 4 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook an additional 3 – 4 minutes or until golden brown.

Place cooked French toast on baking sheet in warm oven until all is cooked and ready to serve.

Serve Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast with Spiced Apple Compote topped with Mascarpone cheese.

Spiced Apple Compote

3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced

1 T. Wondra or cornstarch

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 t. kosher salt

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1/2 t. ground nutmeg

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup butter

In a large mixing bowl, mix apples with Wondra, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg until combined. Place apples into a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in water and cooking apples until tender and thickened, stirring occasionally, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve Spiced Apple Compote over Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast topped with Mascarpone cheese.

Makes 2 – 4 servings.