Classic French Toast

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah, slightly stale)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan
• 1 cup maple syrup, for serving
• 1 cup fresh berries, for serving

Instructions

1. In a wide, shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until fully blended and the mixture is a uniform pale custard color with no visible egg streaks.
2. Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes; French toast needs gentler heat than you'd expect so the center cooks through before the outside burns.
3. Dip one slice of bread into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 15 to 20 seconds per side. The bread should absorb the custard and feel soft and heavy but should not fall apart - if it starts disintegrating, your bread is too fresh or too thin; use slightly stale, sturdy bread instead.
4. Let any excess custard drip off for a second before transferring the slice to the pan; too much excess liquid will pool and burn in the skillet.
5. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet, swirling to coat the surface, then add 2 to 3 soaked slices at a time without crowding the pan.
6. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, until the underside is deep golden brown - lift a corner with a spatula to check before flipping.
7. Flip each slice carefully and cook the second side for 3 to 4 minutes more, until equally golden brown and the slice feels firm and springs back slightly when pressed in the center rather than feeling wet and squishy.
8. If a slice browns too quickly before the center is cooked, lower the heat slightly for the remaining batches; if it takes much longer than 4 minutes per side without browning, raise the heat slightly.
9. Transfer finished slices to a plate or a baking sheet in a 200 F oven to keep warm while you soak and cook the remaining slices, wiping the pan and adding fresh butter between batches.
10. Serve warm, dusted with extra cinnamon if desired, topped with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Nutrition

Calories	380
Protein	11.0 g
Fat	14.0 g
Carbs	54.0 g
Fiber	2.0 g
Sodium	340 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate per serving and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.