CUBAN TORREJAS WITH GUAVA-MAPLE SYRUP AND CREAM CHEESE WHIPPED CREAM

Cuban Torrejas with Guava-Maple Syrup and Cream Cheese Whipped Cream image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories dessert

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup cold whipping cream
3/4 cup Grade-B pure maple syrup
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 cup guava marmalade
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 eggs
12 slices Cuban or French bread, sliced 1 1/2 inches thick
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

For the cream cheese whipped cream: Beat the cream cheese with the vanilla until smooth in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Add the whipping cream and whip to soft peaks. Set aside while you make the French toast.
For the syrup: Combine the syrup and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, and remove from the heat. Let the syrup sit for 10 minutes to cool. Remove the cinnamon stick and return to the heat. Bring the syrup to a simmer again, and whisk in the guava. Serve warm.
For the toast: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Whisk together the milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and eggs in a shallow bowl until smooth. Place the bread slices in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture on top. While the bread soaks, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saute pan or nonstick griddle over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Fry the bread in batches until golden brown on the bottom. Lower the heat slightly, flip the bread and cook until the bottoms are golden brown and the bread is cooked through as well. Keep warm in the oven while you make the remaining bread with the remaining butter and oil.
To serve, smear some cream cheese whipped cream on each piece of warm bread. Top with some of the guava maple syrup and a mint sprig.