Apple-Gruyere French Toast With Red Onion

A rich cross between grilled cheese and French toast, invented as another fried food to celebrate Hanukah. From the New York Times, Dec 4, 2009. http://bit.ly/81vJ70

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2  slices  challah, from middle of loaf (each about 2 inches thick)
• 3  ounces  grated gruyere cheese (about 3/4 c)
• 1⁄4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2  large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3⁄4 cup  whole milk
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1  small apple, cored peeled and thinly sliced

Directions

1. Cut a pocket in each bread slice through the bottom crust, parallel to the cut surfaces. Do not cut through the top crust. Stuff each with half the cheese and a few onion slices.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into a wide, shallow dish. Place stuffed bread into custard. Turn over after about 2 minutes, then let stand until most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Place half the apples in a single layer and cook 1 minute. Place the stuffed, soaked bread on the apples and cover with the remaining apple slices. Cook 1 minute.
4. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 5 minutes. Uncover pan, increase heat back to medium, and cook until bottom is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Carefully turn bread over and cook until golden, 3-5 minutes.