People have been rehabilitating rock-hard, stale loaves into edible meals since bread was first invented. However the recipe that has change into irrevocably rooted in American breakfast tradition is French toast.
Based mostly on the French “ache perdu,” or misplaced bread, French toast is historically constructed from outdated, leftover slices softened in a mixture of milk and eggs, then fried till golden and crisp on the surface and creamy inside.
Whereas the dish could have initially been a option to rescue outdated bread, the pricey milk, eggs and butter it requires made it removed from thrifty. In “The Oxford Companion to Meals,” Alan Davidson writes that, though French toast is iconically represented as a technique for utilizing up stale bread, its costly components recommend it was “extra incessantly considered a delicacy.”
Mr. Davidson’s checklist of historic variations consists of an historical Roman instance from Apicius (utilizing wine and honey); its Anglo-Norman cousin (served with almond milk); and their Spanish relation, torrijas (adorned with syrup and cinnamon). I’ve seen (and created) trendy iterations that embody peanut butter and condensed milk, streusel crumbs and pears, pumpkin spice and pecans.
However irrespective of what number of extravagant components you lavish in your French toast, the very best variations are nonetheless constructed from days-old bread — or no less than bread that’s been dried out within the oven or toasted (which provides a pleasant grilled taste). Spongy, recent bread would dilute the egg combination with its moisture, whereas dehydrated bread would extra thirstily soak up the custard, swelling and plumping voluptuously. It might take longer to soak dry bread, however it’s definitely worth the wait. Assembling every thing the day earlier than and sticking it within the fridge in a single day ensures most absorption and makes your morning simpler, too.
Most basic recipes name for frying the soaked slices, however I gave that up years in the past. Why stand over the range frying soggy bread in an undercaffeinated state when your oven can do all of the work? In addition to, whereas the oven is on, it’s simple to throw in a pan of bacon to prepare dinner on the similar time. Baking gained’t provide the crisp fried crust; I compensate with a sprinkle of sugar, which caramelizes and turns crunchy because it bakes.
I apply the sugar otherwise in these two new recipes, to distinct however equally scrumptious outcomes. I created them for my YouTube cooking present, Shortcut vs. Showstopper, the place I show two variations of basic recipes, one easy however nonetheless beautiful, the opposite a extra complicated variation designed for the utmost wow issue.
For the straightforward French toast, baked on a sheet pan, I lay the soaked sliced bread on high of a layer of brown sugar and butter. Because the bread bakes, the sugar turns right into a shiny, candylike crust that snaps when your fork cuts by means of to the smooth, vanilla-infused heart.
The showstopper model, impressed by a cloudlike soufflé, encompasses a lemon-scented sugar sprinkled on high. Throughout baking, the sugar singes and darkens in spots, whereas the bread puffs and turns golden. A cross between bread pudding and a flowery soufflé, this makes essentially the most elegant of brunch dishes.
Both recipe could be an ideal factor to serve on Mom’s Day.
As to what sort of bread to start out with, it is dependent upon what texture you’re going for. An egg-enriched bread like challah turns into caky, with a young, tight crumb. Open-textured bread, like brioche and even croissants, seize extra air and find yourself lighter and fluffier. Common agency white bread (ache de mie) holds its form and stays very moist after cooking, whereas crusty breads like sourdoughs and baguettes retain a pleasing and satisfying chew.
The chances are limitless. Actually, the flexibleness of the dish would be the secret of its endurance. With primary components you can regulate to fit your temper and maintain attention-grabbing each time, it’s no marvel French toast by no means will get stale.
