Brioche For Breakfast

As a child, I have always loved my French toast for weekend breakfasts, and as an adult I have fine-tuned my favorite recipe. With the help of my local bakery, author Jordan Christy of How To Be A Hepburn In A Hilton World and my mother’s original recipe, I am excited to share with you Simply Luxurious French Toast recipe.

Simply Luxurious French Toast

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

*1 Tbs sugar

*6 extra large eggs

*1 1/2 cups of milk or half and half

*2 Tbs honey

*2 tsp pure vanilla extract

*1 tsp salt

*1 loaf of brioche (click here for recipe, or pick up at your local bakery)

*salted butter

*vegetable oil or Pam

*confectioners’ sugar

*cinnamon

Optional (macerated strawberries)

*1/2 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

*1 Tbs sugar

*maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

1. If you would like strawberries on your French toast, mix together strawberries and 1 tablespoon of sugar and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or half-and-half), honey, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon).

3. Slice the brioche loaf into 1 inch thick pieces and dredge in the egg mixture, until both sides are completed coated. Don’t let it soak, as it will leave your bread too soggy.

4. Heat 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a large sauté pan or on a pancake skillet over medium heat. Place dredged slices of bred and place in skillet for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.  Continue to add butter and oil to the skillet/pan as needed, as well as cinnamon to egg mixture if it appears to disappear.

5. Sprinkle finished slices with confectioners’ sugar and top with strawberries if desired, or warm syrup or additional honey.

Key Things To Keep In Mind

*Purchasing a loaf of brioche is around $10 for an extra long loaf, but it saves time, as making brioche is a process (however, a simple process).

*Soaking longer than 30 seconds a side in the egg mixture tends to leave the bread soggy on the inside even after cooking for the recommended time.  As long as it is coated, the flavor that you desire will be there.

*While other breads can be substituted, the buttery brioche is an inexpensive way to bring luxury to your morning and your guests will be very impressed.

*Another topper for the French toast (as I sometimes do tend to enjoy) peanut butter!

 

Image: Simply Luxurious