Challah is a rich, traditional Jewish bread; substitute Hawaiian bread if challah isn’t available. Maple and apples make this a comforting, warming meal.

Ingredients

Compote:

• Cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cups sliced peeled Pink Lady apples (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

French toast:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 12 (1-ounce) slices challah bread
• 4 teaspoons butter
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 250°. Place wire rack on a baking sheet and place in oven.
2. To prepare compote, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Coat pan with cooking spray; melt 1 tablespoon butter in pan.
4. Add apples to pan; sauté 8 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
6. Keep warm.
7. To prepare French toast, combine granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
8. Add milk, vanilla, salt, and eggs; whisk until well blended.
9. Working with 1 bread slice at a time, place bread slice into milk mixture, turning gently to coat both sides.
10. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
11. Melt 1 teaspoon butter in pan.
12. Add 3 coated bread slices; cook 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
13. Place on rack in oven to keep warm. Repeat procedure three times with cooking spray, remaining 3 teaspoons butter, and remaining 9 coated bread slices.
14. Serve French toast with compote.
15. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.