Start with the sauce so it has a chance to thicken while making the french toast. Stirring frequently over medium heat, mix 1/2 stick of butter (4 tablespoons) and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Continue stirring until the mixture boils. Then stir nearly constantly until the mixture has thickened. Once the mixture can easily coat the back of the spoon without completely dripping off, add 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons rum. Stir until smooth and put back on low heat to keep warm while making the french toast, stirring occasionally.
For the french toast, take four pieces of thick bread and place on a cookie sheet. Place in the oven on 300 degrees for a minute or so, then flip over to toast the other side. Remove from the oven (but keep oven on) and let cool slightly. Put a frying pan on the stove top with a tablespoon of butter and heat on medium, allowing the butter to melt. Meanwhile, mix 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg in a flat dish. Dip both side of the bread into the mix and cook in the frying pan until yummy looking. ***Only dip two slices at a time so the bread doesn't get soggy before cooking.*** Repeat with the other two slices and set aside.
To make the filling, mix 4 oz (half block or 1/2 cup) of cream cheese (I used neufchatel cheese), 1/2 banana cut into small chunks, small handful of chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon orange juice (I used orange V8), and 1/8 cup sugar. Don't mash the bananas, just mix the ingredients all up. I found it easiest to soften the cheese in the microwave first. (You can also do cream cheese with jam and sugar instead of the banana mixture.)
Then, scoop the mixture evenly between two slices of french toast. Set the other slices on top (like a sandwich) and place on the cookie sheet from earlier. Put back in the oven and cook for about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle with the warm sauce. This goes great with eggs and bacon expertly made by your husband! :)
