French Toast: A Classic Comfort

French toast is a wonderfully simple breakfast or brunch dish – it’s warm, sweet, and customizable! It’s a fantastic way to use up stale bread and creates a truly indulgent treat with a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior. It’s a perfect blank canvas for adding fruit, syrup, or whipped cream.

Simple French Toast Recipe

Yields: 2-4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6-8 slices of bread (Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast work particularly well – avoid very thin bread)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half is richest)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream (for serving – optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk the Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Don’t overcrowd the dish. Let the bread soak for about 15-30 seconds per side – you want it saturated but not soggy.
3. Cook the French Toast: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Cook until Golden: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to add a little more butter if the bread is sticking.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest to the batter.
• Stale bread is best: Slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better.
• Don’t over-soak: Over-soaked bread will become soggy.

Would you like me to: