1. In medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, 1/2 t cinnamon and the ginger until combined well; set aside.
2. In large bowl, toss together apples, granulated sugar and 1 t cinnamon.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 4 T butter over high heat.
4. Add apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 8 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. In a 13-by-9-inch shallow dish, whisk together milk, eggs, and remaining 1/2 t cinnamon; set aside.
7. Spread a heaping 1/4 cup cream-cheese mixture onto each of 4 bread slices.
8. Top each with 2 T nuts and 6-8 apple slices.
9. Cover with remaining 4 bread slices to make sandwiches.
10. Soak 2 sandwiches at a time in milk-egg mixture 5 minutes per side.
11. Add maple syrup to remaining apples in skillet and stir to combine.
12. Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
13. Add 1 T oil and 1 T butter to pan.
14. Add 2 sandwiches and cook, turning once, until golden brown, 6-8 minutes.
15. Repeat with remaining 1 T oil, 1 T butter and the sandwiches.
16. Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately topped with apples in syrup.
17. Garnish with toasted nuts, if desired.