"There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." - Linda Grayson

The weekends are just amazing aren’t they? Especially those weekends where you get a brief lull in the chaos of family, home and chores. Those moments should be cherished, you should remember to take a breath and treat yourself. What better way to treat yourself is there, than making an exceptionally unhealthy but astonishingly luxurious brunch? A long lie in followed by French toast with melted chocolate and bananas??? Yes please!

French toast (pain perdu in sexy French, or eggy bread in plain, stodgy, British), is made from slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and often sugar and spices, then fried until golden brown. It has been around since Roman times and has become an intrinsic part of many cultures. It’s even made its way into films such as Pulp Fiction, The Breakfast Club and V for Vendetta!

This particular recipe has a number of key steps, but the payoff at the end is so worth it! It comes from BBC Goodfood magazine - and we really recommend a subscription!

Song for this recipe:

Black Velvet - Alannah Myles

Audiobook for this recipe:

50 shades of grey - EL James

Ingredients:

• 1 x Ripe banana

• 75g x Milk chocolate, chopped (use Cadbury’s Milk Chocolate, it’s just the best)

• 4 x Slices thick crusty white bread (see white loaf recipe)

• 3 x Medium eggs

• 1 tbsp x Double cream

• 1 tbsp x Maple syrup

• 1 tsp x Vanilla extract

• 25g x Unsalted butter

• Ground cinnamon to serve

• Extra maple syrup to drizzle on top at the end!

Directions:

1. Slice the banana into a small bowl and mash using a fork.  Add the chopped chocolate and mix to combine.

2. Lay 2 slices of bread on the work surface.  Divide the chocolate and banana mixture between them, spreading it almost to the edges.  Top each with a second slice of bread and press together to make a sandwich.

3. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, double cream, maple syrup and vanilla extract.  Melt the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat.  Lay one sandwich into the egg mixture to coat one side, then carefully flip it over so both sides of the sandwich are covered in the egg.

4. Place the sandwich into the frying pan and cook for about 1 minute on each side.  The sandwich should go golden brown and the chocolate will start to get melty and gooey. Repeat with the second sandwich.

5. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve with extra maple syrup and cinnamon sprinkled on top.

6. Eat and then feel guilty for the rest of the day!