Classic French Toast
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of French toast cooking on a weekend morning. This classic breakfast dish, known also as ‘pain perdu’ (lost bread) in French, is a fantastic way to turn slightly stale bread into a delightful and sweet start to your day. It’s versatile, easy to make, and ready in minutes. Here’s how you can achieve golden-brown perfection with your French toast.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices of stale bread (brioche or challah work great)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Make sure the bread is fully coated but not overly soggy.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil.
- Once the butter is melted or the oil is hot, add the soaked bread slices to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until each side is golden brown and the toast is cooked through.
- Remove the French toast from the skillet and repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter or oil as needed.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries if desired.
Tips and Variations
For an extra rich taste, use half-and-half instead of milk, or mix in a tablespoon of heavy cream. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the egg mixture. For a heartier meal, top your French toast with sliced bananas, nuts, or chocolate chips before serving. Remember, the key to perfect French toast is in using stale bread which soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
Enjoy Your Breakfast!
With this simple recipe, you’ll have a delicious breakfast that feels like a gourmet treat. Bon appétit!