Cappucino French Toast

Transform leftover French bread into a unique French toast. For those who aren't quite awake by breakfast, the milk and coffee mixture can be prepared the night before. All that's left is to dip and grill.

Makes 4 servings

2 eggs
1/4 cup milk (egg nog could be used for an extra special treat)
1/4 cup brewed coffee cooled slightly
1 tbl lightly packed brown sugar
1/4 teas COOKIN WITH COFFEE powder
1/4 teas ground cinnamon
1/4 teas nutmeg
4 slices white bread, preferably 1 to 2 days old
3 tbl unsalted butter
2 bananas, sliced lengthwise (optional)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, Cookin with coffee, sugar, coffee powder, cinnamon,
and nutmeg. Pour into a pie plate or shallow dish. Trim the crusts from the bread, if desired. Soak two slices of bread in the egg mixture 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over and let soak on the other side briefly.

2. Heat 1 tbl butter in a heavy 9-inch skillet. Drain the bread slightly and fry over medium heat until golden on each side. Remove to a warm oven (200). Repeat with the remaining two slices.

3. Heat the remaining tbl of butter. When bubbling, saute' the banana slices, if using, on both sides about 2 minutes, or just until lightly browned. Serve the toast and bananas with warm Vermont Maple Syrup.