French Toast

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Last week I made a loaf of brioche so I could prepare this version of French toast for our Christmas breakfast. The recipe that I use comes from Cook's Illustrated and it has been my favorite for over ten years now. While they have changed their recipe overtime, I still prefer the original version and have done very little to alter it. The folks at Cook's Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen take umbrage with changes being made to recipes they have developed and I wouldn't dream of altering their ingredients list for a post. I have, however, slightly changed the instruction because I prefer to use an electric skillet or griddle when I make French toast or pancakes. I think the steady heat of electric appliances is better for this type of application and it makes for a better presentation. At least in my hands. The flour and the quick egg dip used in this recipe makes for a firm toast that has a wonderful flavor but is not the least bit soggy. I really think you will like this. You can make the toast with a thick-sliced challah or a good sandwich bread if you do not want to use brioche and once you've tried the original recipe, you might want to experiment with different flavors. This is a lovely way to start the day. Here's the recipe.

French Toast...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Cook's Illustrated

Ingredients:

1 large egg

2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted, plus extra for frying

3/4 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon table salt

4 to 5 slices day-old brioche or challah sliced 3/4 inch thick or 6 to 8 slices sandwich bread

Instructions:

1) Heat 10- to 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat egg lightly in shallow pan or pie plate; whisk in butter, then milk and vanilla, and finally sugar, flour, and salt, continuing to whisk until smooth. Soak bread without oversaturating, about 40 seconds per side for brioche or challah or 30 seconds per side for sandwich bread. Pick up bread and allow excess batter to drip off; repeat with remaining slices.

2) Swirl 1 tablespoon butter in hot skillet. Transfer prepared bread to skillet; cook until golden brown, about 1 minute 45 seconds on first side and 1 minute on the second. Serve immediately. Continue, adding 1 tablespoon butter to skillet for each new batch. Yield: 4 to 5 slices.

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