Pain Perdu (French Toast) Recipe

Imagine starting your day with the comforting aroma of thick, golden-brown slices of Pain Perdu, also known as French Toast, wafting through your cozy kitchen. This delectable treat, a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, is bound to bring smiles and warmth to your family table. What makes this recipe unique is its simplicity and versatility, perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering. Pain Perdu is not just about savoring a delicious meal; it’s about creating cherished moments with loved ones, where creativity and togetherness blossom in every bite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Skill Level: Beginner

Ingredients

• 4 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Fresh berries and mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the pan evenly.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are soaked but not overly saturated.
4. Place the soaked bread slices onto the heated skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.
5. Remove the French toast from the skillet and repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
6. Arrange the Pain Perdu on a vintage ceramic plate and dust generously with powdered sugar.
7. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy with a steaming mug of tea or coffee.

Helpful Tips

To make this recipe even more beginner-friendly, use a pre-heated griddle to cook multiple slices at once. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for an extra touch of warmth and spice.

For storage, you can refrigerate any leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To re-heat, simply pop them in the toaster or a warm oven until heated through.

Pairings

Pair your Pain Perdu with a side of crispy turkey bacon or fresh fruit salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. For beverages, consider serving a hot cup of chai tea or freshly squeezed orange juice.

At Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen, and our Pain Perdu recipe is designed to do just that. We encourage you to try this delightful dish, share your results with us, and spread the love with friends and family. Explore more of our recipes, follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for continued inspiration and family bonding over food. Happy cooking!