NYC brunch restaurant, The Smith, is known for its signature Vanilla Bean French Toast. The dish consists of fluffy and sweet brioche bread in a crème brulée batter, served with maple butter and caramelized bananas. Chef Glenn Harris comments,  "It's a rich, satiating version of a classic dish that both comforts a hangover and makes you want to go back to sleep on a Sunday afternoon." 

Ingredients

For the french toast

• 1 1/2 Pound loaf brioche bread
• 1 stick butter
• 4 Cup heavy cream
• 4 Cup milk
• 1 Cup sugar
• 6 eggs
• 1 vanilla bean scraped

For the caramelized bananas

• 6 ripe bananas
• 1/2 stick butter
• 2 Tablespoon sugar
• 4 Teaspoon bourbon

Preparation

For the french toast

Step 1:

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until incorporated. Add vanilla, cream and milk and whisk.

Step 2:

Slice bread to 1. 5” thickness.

Step 3:

Place a pat of butter on griddle on medium heat. Dip bread in batter and place on griddle. Cook approximately 5 minutes on each side.

Step 4:

Remove from heat and slice in half triangles. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, top with caramelized bananas and serve.

For the caramelized bananas

Step 1:

On high heat, place butter and bananas in a large sauté pan.

Step 2:

Add sugar and let brown until caramelized. When caramelized, add bourbon.

Step 3:

Flame and cook for one minute or until alcohol dissipates.

Step 4:

Remove from heat and spoon over French toast.