Recipe: Tonga Toast

Tonga Toast:

2 or 4 slices sourdough bread, cut 1-inch thick
1 banana
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil or shortening for frying
Whipped butter, if desired
Maple syrup, if desired

Depending on the size of the bread slices, cut a 1-inch pocket in one side of each bread slice. Cut bananas in half crosswise, then split each piece lengthwise. Remove peel and stuff 2 pieces in each pocket of bread, again depending on size. If slices are small, use 4 and stuff 1 piece of banana in each pocket. Set aside.
Mix sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Mix egg, milk, and vanilla until well blended.

Heat about 4 inches of oil or shortening in a pan to 350 degrees F. Dip stuffed bread into egg and milk mixture, soaking a few minutes to penetrate into bread. Fry in hot oil or shortening until lightly browned, turning to brown both sides, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels on cake rack.

Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon and serve at once. If desired, spread with whipped butter and serve with Maple syrup.

Yield: 2 servings