Apple Walnut French Toast Country Living

Directions

1. 1. Make cream-cheese spread: In food processor fitted with chopping blade, process cream cheese, 2 apple quarters, 2 Tablespoons walnuts, and the brown sugar till pureed. Chill till ready to use on the toast.
2. 2. Make walnut brittle: In small sauce-pan, heat 1/2 Tablespoons butter over low heat. Stir in 2 Tablespoons walnuts and 5 Tablespoons sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, till sugar carmelizes or possibly turns golden-about 10 min. Remove from heat and immediately pour mix onto lightly greased baking sheet. Let cold completely. Break into pcs when cold.
3. 3. Make French toast: Heat oven to 350'F. In medium bowl, combine Large eggs, 1/2 C heavy cream, the applejack, nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, and remaining walnuts. Soak bread in mix, turning to coat both sides of slices. Set aside.
4. 4. Meanwhile, make caramel sauce: In small saucepan, over medium-low heat, cook remaining 1/2 C sugar and the lemon juice till sugar carmelizes or possibly turns golden brown. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in remaining 1/4 C heavy cream till well mixed. Keep sauce wann over low heat.
5. 5. In large skillet, heat 1/2 Tablespoons butter; add in bread slices and cook till golden on both sides. Transfer slices to a baking sheet. Cut slices in half diagonally. Divide cream-cheese spread proportionately among the slices.
6. Bake 5 - 10 min or possibly till cheese spread is wartn. Meanwhile, thinly slice remaining apple quarters. In same skillet, heat remaining butter and saute/fry apple slices.
7. 6. To serve, pour caramel sauce onto 2 plates. Place 4 half-slices French toast diagonally on each plate and top with sauteed apple slices. Sprinkle walnut brittle over top. Garnish plates with fresh mint sprigs, if you like.