Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Sticks

Nancy can be found sharing her delicious recipes at Skinny Kitchen. Head there today for more delicious stuffed French Toast recipes.

Whether you prefer it smooth, chunky or natural, peanut butter is the perfect addition to any snack. It goes with practically everything: crackers, pretzels, celery, carrots, apples, bananas, chocolate, and much more. It’s also super yummy in this French toast recipe.

You can easily make it with ingredients you probably already have on-hand, and you’ll surely have time to do so on your busiest mornings. I’ve made it skinny by using multi-grain bread, natural unsalted peanut butter, reduced-sugar preserves and egg whites. A real satisfying breakfast with 170 calories, 7.5 grams of fat and 5 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS. Serve with some fresh berries or sliced fruit.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

4 slices whole-wheat or multi-grain bread, I used Milton’s Multi-Grain bread, see shopping tips

2 tablespoons natural unsalted chunky or smooth peanut butter

2 tablespoons reduced-sugar strawberry preserves or your favorite preserves, see shopping tips

4 egg whites

1 tablespoon fat-free milk

½ teaspoon vanilla

4 teaspoons reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Take 2 slices of bread and spread one tablespoon peanut butter on each. Spread one tablespoon preserves on each remaining two slices. Put sandwiches together.

2. In a 9-inch baking dish, whisk egg whites, milk and vanilla. Place the two sandwiches in dish and let soak on each side.

3. Melt reduced-fat butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook sandwiches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cut each sandwich in four sticks. Sprinkle the top of each with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings (2 sticks per serving)

Food Fact

The origin of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich isn’t quite clear. What is known is that during World War II the sandwich was eaten by US soldiers. One theory of the history began when US soldiers combined the two so they could eat quickly. Another theory is that peanut butter was used because other popular foods were hard to find during the 1940s. Because meat and other food staples were scarce or costly, people begin trying other meals. The results were peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Healthy Benefit

Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, and can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. For the healthiest choice, look for brands that have no oil or sugar added.

Shopping Tips

Most supermarkets including Trader Joe’s sell Milton’s Multi-Grain bread. You can also easily find reduced-sugar preserves at your regular shopping spots.

Weight Watchers (old points) 4
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 5

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 serving (2 sticks)
170 calories, 7.5g fat, 9g protein, 20g carbs, 2g fiber, 172 sodium, 9g sugar

FAT FACTS: for 1 serving
252 calories, 15g fat, 11g protein, 22g carbs, 2g fiber, 225mg sodium, 12g sugar