Apple Peanut Butter French Toast

Apple Peanut Butter French Toast
Source: Parade Magazine (April 2014)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
1 apple, peeled and divided: 1/2 diced, and 1/2 thinly sliced
2/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup 1% milk
3 large eggs, beaten
1 tbs apple cider
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
8 slices whole wheat bread (I used cinnamon swirl bread I wanted to use up)
8 tbsp peanut butter, divided
1 tbsp butter

Instructions:
1. Make apple syrup: Combine diced apple, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer; lower heat so syrup bubbles gently and cook 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Meanwhile, beat milk with eggs, apple cider, cinnamon, vanilla, ground finer, and a big pinch of salt in a measuring cup. Pour into a shallow bowl or pie plate.
3. Spread 4 slices of bread with 2 tbs of peanut butter each. Top each with thinly sliced apple; drizzle apple with honey if desired and sprinkle with cinnamon. Sandwich with remaining 4 slices of bread and press together.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Working 2 sandwiches at a time, soak sandwiches in milk mixture on each side, letting excess drip off. Cook in skillet for about 6 minutes for each side, until browned and warmed through. Cut into halves. Serve with apple syrup.

Apple Peanut Butter French Toast