Confession! I don’t like ‘sweet’ foods, especially French toast… nor did I grow up seeing this being made in my home as a child on the islands. I was asked (challenged) by a fan to demo my take on a Caribbean French toast, thus the recipe. If you’re on a diet or diabetic, I guarantee you that this recipe is not for you. However if you’re into French Toast you’ll luv this version, especially the caramel passion fruit sauce it’s topped with. You’ll UP your brunch game with this recipe!
You’ll Need…
bread (at least day old)
2 large eggs
1 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoon brown sugar (I used golden brown)
1- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 bananas (sliced)
1 passion fruit
1/4 teaspoon ginger (powder)
pinch salt
2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoon butter + coconut oil
In a bowl whisk the eggs, 1 cup coconut milk, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon (you can add a pinch of salt if you want also). Then slice the bread about 3/4-1 inch thick and cover/soak with this mixture. Allow it to really soak in (I recommend using old bread as it will soak in the ‘batter’ better). Set aside and let’s prepare the Caramel Passion-fruit topping.
In a saucepan (I used a non stick pan) on medium heat add the brown sugar and allow it to melt. It will then go frothy and amber, here’s where you’ll add the coconut milk and whisk. Do NOT allow the sugar to go darker than amber or it will make the sauce bitter. Now add the ginger and a pinch of salt and mix. It’s now time to add the passion fruit (the pulp) along with the sliced ripe banana and mix well to coat. Allow it to go for about 5 minutes, then go in with the butter and maple syrup to finish up. You’re looking for a thick sauce, so you may need to reduce it a bit if it’s still a bit too runny.
It’s now time to toast the bread. Heat the butter and oil in a non stick pan on a medium flame/low flame, then add the pieces of bread which were soaked in the coconut batter. Cook for about 3 minutes, then flip to the other side and cook for another 3 minutes. You may need to flip them a couple more times to fully cook through (about a further 2 minutes per side). If it’s getting dark quickly without cooking the inside thoroughly, turn the heat down a bit. My toast had a lovely golden ‘crust’ to it.
Now it’s just a matter of slicing the French toast into triangles (if that’s the way your kids like it) and top with that awesome banana caramel passion-fruit topping we made. Keep in mind that if you wanted you can also add a bit of dark rum in the caramel sauce and if you prefer plantains instead of bananas.. rock that.
While not my thing, this Coconut French Toast with the Caramel Coconut Passion Fruit topping is guaranteed to be a hit at your next Sunday brunch.. works great mid-week when all you want is something rich and sweet to comfort you after a hard day at work.
Do you own a copy of my cookbook ?- The Vibrant Caribbean Pot 100 Traditional And Fusion recipes Vol 2
