Cooking French toast at home: Expectations vs. Reality

French toast, known in France as "pain perdu," meaning "lost bread," is a simple, enjoyable, and versatile breakfast classic that has been a staple in many global breakfast menus. A magical combination of bread, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar transforms into a culinary treat with a few steps. This article will lead you through the process of making your French toast, regardless of your cooking skills.

Ingredients:

To create scrumptious French toast, you'll need the following ingredients:

8 slices of thick-cut bread

Eggs - 4 large

1 cup of milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Salt - 1/4 teaspoon

Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon

Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon, ground

Butter for cooking

Syrup, powdered sugar, and ripe berries for serving

Choosing the right bread:

When it comes to French toast, the bread you choose can make a big difference. Hearty, sturdy bread such as brioche, challah, or a French baguette work best as they soak up the egg mixture and remain intact. Preferably, the bread should be a day or two old, which makes it better at absorbing the egg mixture and results in a richer, smoother French toast.

The French Toast Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well mixed. This mixture is your custard base, where most of the flavor comes from. Feel free to customize it by adding a splash of bourbon, some orange zest, or a bit of nutmeg for an extra layer of complexity.

Making the French Toast:

Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over Cooking French toast at home medium heat and add a pat of butter, allowing it to coat the cooking surface after melting.

Dip the slices of bread in the egg mixture, making sure to coat each side thoroughly. Don't let the bread soak for too long, though - you want it soaked through but not soggy.

Once the butter has melted, add the soaked bread slices to your griddle or skillet. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving the French Toast:

Once your French toast has reached a beautiful golden hue, it's time to serve. This is where you can get creative. Dust your French toast with powdered sugar, pour over some maple or flavored syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, or sprinkle with berries or slices of banana.

Conclusion:

French toast is more than just a method to use up stale bread; it's a canvas for a variety of flavors and textures. By following this guide, you're not only learning how to make French toast but also understanding the flexibility that comes with this beloved dish. Remember, the perfect French toast is one that satisfies your taste buds. So, experiment with various types of bread, diverse flavors, and a range of toppings until you find your ideal mix. Bon appétit!