Banana Stuffed French Toast

I tried something like this in a restaurant on my honeymoon and this is my attempt at duplication. I love it. You can vary the filling if you like, but I love bananas. This is a great "impress the company" dish or Christmas morning dish.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  large bananas, thinly sliced
• 1  loaf  challah or 1  loaf  brioche bread or 1  loaf  cinnamon  bread or 1  loaf  other  sweet bread, unsliced
• 4  eggs
• 1  cup  whole milk
• 2  tablespoons Grand Marnier or 2  tablespoons Cointreau liqueur
• 2  tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  pinch salt
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

1. Cut the bread into (12) 2-inch thick slices.
2. Cut a pocket in each bread slice, being careful not to cut through the other 3 sides.
3. Put as many banana slices as the pocket can hold into each slice.
4. Mix the remaining ingredients except for the butter in a shallow bowl.
5. Dip the bread pockets into the egg and let soak for 2 minutes per side.
6. Heat a griddle over high heat.
7. Melt a bit of the butter on the griddle, then add the french toast, working in batches.
8. Cook until golden brown on one side, then turn and brown the other.
9. Keep warm in the oven until the rest of the toast is cooked, adding more butter to the griddle if needed.
10. Serve 2 pieces per person.
11. Serve with warmed maple syrup and fresh butter.