Upside-Down Banana-Walnut French Toast

     I apologize for tempting you with this luscious recipe so soon after making your resolutions to eat healthier in the New Year, but it was so incredibly delicious I just couldn't wait to share it with you.  This French Toast from Betty Crocker is by far, one of the best things I've made in my dutch oven.  They need to invent an Upside-Down Banana-Walnut French Toast candle because the scents and smells lingering in your dutch oven and kitchen will positively delight you.  After assembling the dish, I let it sit for a good hour before lighting the coals.  On a cold and blustery day it baked for a total of 45 minutes with 12 coals in a ring around the base of the oven and 24-26 briquettes spaced evenly on the lid.  Pack a spatula and a big spoon in your chuck box, after you dish it up you won't want to waste a drop of the sugary nuts and topping. 

Upside-Down Banana-Walnut French Toast
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup chopped walnuts OR pecans
3 bananas, sliced
1 loaf (about 1 lb) sliced, unfrosted, firm cinnamon bread
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
Powdered sugar, if desired

     Lightly oil or spray 12 inch dutch oven, line with parchment paper if desired.
     In large bowl, stir brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and walnuts until smooth.
     Gently stir in bananas.
     Spoon mixture evenly into prepared dutch oven.
     Reserve ends of bread for another use because they don't soak up the egg mixture very well.
     Arrange 2 layers of bread over banana mixture, tearing bread slices to fit if necessary.
     In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla with wire whisk until well blended.
     Pour egg mixture over bread.
     Allow to sit in a cool place in dutch oven for 30 minutes to an hour.
     Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
     Serve portions upside down, spooning sauce from bottom of dish over each serving.
     Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
     Makes 6-8 servings.

Spoon banana mixture evenly in bottom of 12 inch dutch oven

Place two layers of bread slices over bananas

Pour egg mixture over bread and allow to sit for
30-60 minutes in a cool place

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until knife '
inserted in center comes out clean

The ultimate French Toast bake and don't forget a big
spoon for the topping