Homemade Peanut Butter & Jelly Brioche French Toast

Ingredients:

For the Homemade Peanut Butter:

• 2 cups raw, blanched peanuts

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Homemade Jelly:

• 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed

• 800 grams granulated sugar

• 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• Butter, for frying

For Serving:

• Sliced strawberries

• Sliced bananas

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Make the Homemade Peanut Butter:

   • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

   • Place the peanuts on a foil lined sheet pan. Roast the peanuts for 15 to 20 minutes or until they begin to brown.

   • Place the peanuts in a food processor and process until the mixture becomes a paste. Add sugar and salt if using. Continue to process until smooth and creamy.

2. Prepare the Homemade Jelly:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook until the strawberries break down and reach a temperature of 221 degrees, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool.

3. Make the caramel sauce:

   In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter and milk.

   Bring to a simmer and whisk until well combined.

   Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. Set aside and allow to cool.

4. Prepare the French Toast Batter:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract.

5. Cook the French Toast:

   • Prepare peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

   • Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.

   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter.

   • Fry the soaked bread slices until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep warm.

6. Assemble the French Toast and serve:

   • Cut the French toast sandwiches in half.

   • Place on plate or serving platter with banana and strawberry slices.

   • Drizzle with caramel sauce.

   • Dust with powdered sugar.

7. Serve:

   • Top the French toast with additional slices of strawberries and bananas.

   • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.