Cut 4 maraschino cherries in half; set aside for garnish. Chop remaining cherries. Cut off and discard ends of bread loaf. Slice remaining loaf into 16 (1/2-inch to 3/4-inch) slices. Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl; beat with an electric mixer at medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until creamy. By hand, stir in pineapple, chocolate chips and chopped cherries; mix well. Spray a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine eggs and milk in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Dip one side of 1 bread slice into egg mixture. Place on baking pan, dipped side down. Gently spread with 1/8 of cream cheese mixture; top with a banana half. Repeat with 7 more slices. Dip one side of each of the remaining 8 bread slices in egg mixture. Place, dipped side up, on top of banana Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 35 to 40 minutes, or until tops are light golden brown and centers are set. To serve, top each serving with 1/4 cup whipped topping, 1-1/2 teaspoons chopped pecans and 1 reserved cherry half. Serve with maple syrup. |