| Melt first four stuffing ingredients in a large saute pan. Simmer on low heat for a few minutes. Add bananas |
| and saute for 5 more minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool. Using a small paring knife, cut a slit into one |
| side of the bread to make a pocket -- don't go through the other 3 sides of the bread. Repeat with the |
| remaining bread slices. Use a teaspoon to stuff the bananas mixture into the bread pockets. Set aside. Place |
| the toasted sliced almonds in a large soup bowl for dipping. Add the remaining toping ingredients to a food |
| processor and pulse to form a crumbly streusel topping. Transfer to a bowl. Mix together the batter |
| ingredients with a mixture and pour into a baking pan with sides large enough to hold the 8 slices in a single |
| layer. Arrange the stuffed bread slices in the batter and let soak for 10 minutes. Turn and soak for 10 more |
| minutes. Spray a baking sheet large enough for all 8 slices with vegetable spray. Dip one side of the bread |
| into the sliced almonds and place almond side up on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining slices. |
| Sprinkle any remaining almonds over the 8 slices. Sprinkle the streusel toping over the 8 slices. Bake in a |
| preheated 400 degrees oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to warm plates and serve |
| with warm maple syrup. |