French Toast

French toast recipe

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 4 slices of bread (thick-cut, slightly stale bread works best - brioche (in video), challah, French bread, or even sturdy white bread)

• 2-4 tablespoons butter or oil, for cooking

• Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or other toppings, for serving

Instructions:

1. Whisk the Custard: In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to dip the bread), whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.

2. Soak the Bread: Place one slice of bread at a time into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 5 seconds per side, ensuring it's fully saturated but not soggy. The soaking time will depend on the thickness and staleness of your bread. Thicker or staler bread can handle a longer soak. You can also lightly toast your bread (in video).

3. Heat the Pan: Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter or heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. The pan is ready when the butter is melted and shimmering or the oil is heated through.

4. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat if the French toast is browning too quickly.

5. Keep Warm (Optional): If you're making a large batch, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven (around 200°F or 95°C) on a baking sheet.

6. Serve: Serve the French toast immediately while it's warm. Top with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tips for the Best French Toast:

• Use the Right Bread: As mentioned, thick-cut and slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.

• Don't Over-soak: Soggy bread will fall apart when cooked. Soak just until saturated.

• Cook Over Medium Heat: This allows the inside to cook through before the outside burns.

• Use Enough Butter/Oil: This helps create a golden-brown and slightly crispy exterior.

• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.

Enjoy your delicious homemade French toast!