French Toast 2 Ways

Not making it home for an awesome Mother's Day Brunch? Can you taste the french toast, eggs benedict, muffins and bacon? Don't despair!  If all your friends have left you to head home you can make a simple french toast for yourself, the single guy; or, if some of your roommates are moochin' off your cooking skills, you can make oven-baked creme brûlée french toast for the 'single guy with friends'...the night before! Whatever you do, don't forget to call your mother!
(adapted from Epicurious Mobile App and Cookbook)



Equipment (for both versions):
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Spatula
10" Non-stick skillet you have grown to love
Stove-top with functioning burners

or

9"x13" Pyrex Dish, ungreased
Small sauce pan
Oven


A.  Single Guy Version

Ingredients:

2-3 1/2"-3/4" slices of Challah bread (or one-day old French Bread, or plain white bread even)
1 cup whole or 2% milk
3 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands, even if you are possibly eating alone.

2. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and salt.

 3. Soak the bread slices for several minutes. Drench them.

4. Get your 10" skillet ready with 1 tsp butter or PAM spray (healthier)

5. Put your slice into medium heat skillet.

 5. Cook each side until golden brown.

6. Top with fresh berries or plain old maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

B. Single Guy with Friends / Oven-baked French Toast 

This recipe just has a few extra steps, but can be done the night before if you are aware people may be dropping by.


Ingredients:
6 3/4" slices of Challah bread, ends and crust removed to fit into pyrex evenly
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Karo syrup

5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half (probably could use 2% or whole milk instead)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp orange juice (optional) or zest
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:
Preheat OVEN to 350F degrees.

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar and Karo syrup.
2. Stir until it is smooth and well-mixed.
3. Pour into pyrex dish and spread evenly.

4. Add trimmed bread slices on top of sugar mixture.

5. Make your custard as before with the eggs, half-and-half (or milk) mixtures, vanilla, orange juice/zest, and salt.

6. Pour custard over top of bread (ignore this picture since it has a double row of bread)

 7. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes.  If you cook too long, it will be a little dry.  (It will look as if air was blown into the entire dish when you remove it from the oven.)

8. Fluffy and soaked in caramel goodness at the bottom.  Just scoop yourself and your friends a helping.

9. Make your friends contribute by bringing fresh berries, juice, milk, coffee, or the maple syrup.

10.  Sprinkle with lemon juice or powdered sugar.  Don't think you'll need butter!

Don't Forget!

Mother's Day Mug

iPhone Case

Happy Mother's Day Water Bottle