Apple Toffee French Toast with Apple Syrup

Sweet Category Winner of Tree Top's America's Secret Ingredient Recipe Contest. For an added treat, serve with a spoonful of whip cream. Description: Created by Nadine M. of Mt. Healthy, OH

Ingredients

• French Toast:
• 8 cups French bread cut into 1 inch cubes
• 3 tart apples peeled, chopped
• 1 pkg cream cheese softened, 8 oz
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup Tree Top 100% Apple Juice
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tsp vanilla divided
• ½ cup English toffee bits
• 5 eggs
• Apple Syrup:
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 TBSP cornstarch
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 cups Tree Top 100% Apple Juice
• 2 TBSP lemon juice
• 5 TBSP butter
• * For thicker syrup try reducing Apple Juice to 1 cup.
• * For thicker syrup try reducing Apple Juice to 1 cup.

Directions

1. Place half the bread cubes in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan; top with apples. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugars, Tree Top apple juice and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth; stir in toffee bits. Spread over apples. Top with remaining bread cubes.
2. In another large bowl, beat the eggs, milk and vanilla until well blended; pour over bread. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
3. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. While baking French toast prepare syrup.
5. Apple Syrup:
6. In a medium size saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, Tree Top apple juice and lemon juice; heat to a boil; whisk constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Add butter. Serve over warm Apple Toffee French toast to 8 VERY lucky people.