Banana Chocolate French Toast with Hazelnut Chocolate and Strawberries

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate milk
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 ripe but firm bananas, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup hazelnut chocolate spread
• 12 slices bread, 1/2 inch thick, such as brioche
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Pure maple syrup
• 1 cup strawberries, halved
• 1/4 cup milk chocolate shavings
• Powered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Whisk together eggs, chocolate milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, in a medium bowl, and set aside. Lay out 6 slices of bread on work surface. Top each slice with the hazelnut chocolate spread and sliced bananas. Top with remaining bread slices; press gently to seal the sandwiches.
2. Place sandwiches in a shallow baking dish (or two dishes) large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour egg mixture over bread, and soak 2 minutes. Carefully turn sandwiches over, and soak until bread is soaked through, about 2 minutes more.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry half of the French toast until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Garnish with strawberries, shaved chocolate, maple syrup and powered sugar.