Mango Candied Walnut French Toast

Make the candied walnuts: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Combine sugar and water in a large frying pan over low heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to medium and let cook. Once it turns a light gold, add walnuts and keep swirling pan until mixture is amber in color. Pour mixture onto prepared tray. Separate walnuts with a fork and let cool completely. Store walnuts in an airtight container until ready to use.

Make the custard: Combine milk and butter in a medium saucepan over very low heat. Cook until butter is completely melted. Let cool just until warm to the touch.Mix together sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in yolks and vanilla. Slowly whisk in warm milk-butter mixture.

Dip each side of 1 bread slice into custard, about 15 to 20 seconds per side depending on dryness of bread.

Place a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Melt butter and fry one side of soaked bread slice for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and fry for 2 more minutes. Repeat with remaining bread.

Arrange 2 to 3 French toast slices on a plate. Top with whipped cream, if desired, mango, and walnuts. Drizzle with chocolate-hazelnut syrup. Serve warm.