Banana French Toast

If you want to make a dish you'll be remembered for ---- I suggest this one!!!!!!

Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill: 6 hours
Bake: 25 minutes
Stand: 10 minutes

2 ripe medium bananas, sliced, 1/4" thick (1-1/3 cups)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
12 1/2" slices French bread, untrimmed
1/2 cup semisweet or milk chocolate pieces (3 oz)
2 beaten eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tsp sugar
Maple syrup (optional)

1. In a bowl gently toss bananas with lemon juice. Arrange half the bread slices in the bottom of a greased 2 qt square baking dish. Top bread with a layer of bananas and chocolate pieces, and remaining bread slices.

2. In a medium bowl combine eggs, milk, honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour slowly over bread to coat evenly. Cover and chill for 6 to 24 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Uncover the baking dish. Sprinkle bread with almonds and sugar. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce oven temp to 325 degrees. Bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean and top of French toast is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes. Serve with maple sytup, if desired. Makes 4 servings.