Banana Fosters French Toast

Bananas Foster French Toast (this is from Women's Health May 2009):



Makes 8 servings: (my comments are in parenthesis)
1/4 c chopped pecans (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (you can use smart balance as a healthy substitute)
1/4 c brown sugar
2 large bananas peeled and cut into 1/2" rounds
1 1/2 c egg substitute (or egg whites, whatever you have on hand)
1 1/2 c low-fat milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp cinnamon
8 slices (1/2" thick) challah or Italian bread (I used whole wheat)

1. In a skillet over medium heat, toast pecans until lightly browned and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar and 2 tablespoons water; stir until sugar dissolves. Continue stirring until mixture is foamy (about 2 minutes). Add bananas and cook for about 5 more minutes.
3. Spray a griddle (I used the foreman grill) with cooking spray and place over medium heat. In a large bowl mix together egg, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Dip bread in batter and thoroughly coat both sides. Place on hot griddle and cook until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes each side).
4. Spoon equal amounts of banana mixture on 4 slices of French toast, and top each with another slice. Cut and serve halves garnished with nuts.

I did steps 2 and 3 at the same time, so I could keep the mixture warm. This was delicious. Is it the healthiest breakfast option? With the butter and brown sugar of course not, but it's a sweet treat without the post-crash sugar high and it's under 250 calories. If you want sweets and carbs, it's best to eat them in the morning than later on in the day.

Nutritional facts:
214 calories
8 g fat
30 g carbs
196 mg sodium
2 g fiber
8g protein