The Fool-Proof Guide to Making Delicious French Toast

French toast is a beloved breakfast treat that ticks all the boxes: it's comforting, indulgent, and easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this fool-proof guide will help you master the art of creating the perfect batch of French toast.

Why Stale Bread? Stale bread is your best bet for making French toast. The key to a delicious French toast is achieving the right balance of texture and flavor. Stale bread has a firmer texture, which absorbs the egg mixture better and retains a nice crispness when cooked. If you don't have stale bread, you can easily dry out your fresh bread by placing it in a low oven (250°F) for about 20 minutes. Thicker bread is better as it provides a richer, more satisfying texture. Avoid using soft white bread, as it will fall apart in the egg mixture and become soggy.

Adding the Finishing Touches

For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon and a touch of sugar to your egg batter. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve it with melted butter and syrup. These simple additions can transform your French toast from plain to extraordinary.

Be warned, the term "fool-proof" can often be misleading. However, with a few tips and tricks, even the most novice cook can create delicious French toast that impresses friends and family.

A Simple Recipe You Can Trust

My go-to method is a straightforward recipe that I developed when making French toast for early risers at a high-end bakery. Here’s how you can replicate the magic in your own kitchen:

Ingredients:

3 eggs A bit of double cream Full-fat milk Thick slices of brioche bread Generous amount of butter A non-stick flat pan Sugar (optional) Cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Beat the eggs with a bit of double cream and full-fat milk in a mixing bowl. Use a sharp knife to slice the brioche bread into thick triangles. Place a generous amount of butter in a flat non-sticky pan over medium heat. Dip each brioche slice in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Place the slices in the pan, moving them in a clockwise motion to distribute the butter evenly under each slice. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Add no more than three slices at a time. Using a tong, flip the slices over and place them on their edges to cook the bottom side. Cook until the edges are golden brown, then flip again to cook the other side.

Grand-Mother’s Recipe: A Time-Honored Tradition

Here’s a French toast recipe passed down from my maternal grand-mother. This method is fool-proof and produces consistently delicious results:

Ingredients:

Slices of homemade bread (enough for breakfast guests) 3 eggs (one per person) Milk: 1/2 cup per 2 eggs Vanilla extract: one tablespoon per 2 eggs (from a bottle cap) Sprinkles of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Slice the bread and place it in the bowl of the egg mixture, ensuring it is floating. Flip the bread slices over in the bowl after they start to soak in the mixture, allowing the second side to soak as well. When the slices are halfway submerged, remove them with a spatula and place them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil and butter. Cook on medium heat until the edges are lightly golden brown. Flip them over and cook the other side until golden brown. Serve hot with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or homemade fruit preserves.

Both methods provide fool-proof results, so choose the one that suits you best. Whether you’re making it for a casual family breakfast or a fancy brunch, these tips and tricks will ensure that your French toast is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Now, get ready to impress with your newfound French toast-making skills!