Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Challah French Toast


When I think of the Food Network personalities my favorite is hands down Ina Garten. Most of the people in my age group love Giada or Rachel Ray, and while I too love both of them and see their mass appeal, there is just something to respect about The Barefoot Contessa. Ina is, in my opinion, a classic. A woman who knows her way around the kitchen. I turn to her anytime I am looking for a classic- and sure enough, when I wanted a classic challah french toast she was my lady.

I have an old standby recipe for french toast that I make. But when I found myself with 1/2 a loaf of challah in the freezer I knew what I needed to make. And boy- Ina didn't lead me wrong. This is a pretty simple recipe but the results are anything but. It made for a perfect "brinner" or "dinfast" (yah know... breakfast + dinner... ok, I'm lame, I get it.) Definitely try this out if you're in the market for a new french toast recipe. The original definitely makes a lot- I halved it and it was still a good amount for two people. Below is the quantity I made, but if you have a large family just check out Ina's version linked below.


Source: Slightly adapted from Ina Garten

Ingredients:
3 extra-large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. grated orange zest
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tbsp. honey
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 large loaf challah bread
Butter or oil (for greasing the pan)

Directions:
1-Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
2- In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange zest, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and salt. Slice the  challah in 3/4-inch thick slices. Soak as many slices in the egg mixture as possible for 5 minutes, turning once.
3- Heat 1 tbsp. of either butter or oil in a very large saute pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Place the cooked french toast on a cookie sheet and keep it warm in the oven. 
4- Repeat until all the bread is cooked. Serve hot with maple syrup.

11 comments:

  1. Yum! That french toast looks wonderful. I wish I had a piece right now.

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  2. It does look delicious! I need to go out and get some Challah bread.

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  3. It does look delicious! I need to buy some Challah Bread!

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  4. where did you get your challa bread?

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  5. This looks really good!
    Some of my students told me I was crazy for liking breakfast for dinner, but I think I'll keep up the once a week habit:)

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  6. @ Kristen- I get my challah from Shoprite- it's right in their bread section where they have their packaged rolls/Italian bread/etc.

    However, if you have access to a Jewish bakery there is just NO comparison. None. But Shoprite's was still quite tasty.

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  7. Since reading this I cannot stop thinking about making some french toast! It looks great

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  8. I love breakfast for dinner. This looks great.

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  9. challah french toast is, as far as im concerned, the ONLY way to have french toast! my mom knows something who makes challah everything friday night. she gives it to my mom and we have "pain perdu" once during the following week. its almost even better if the challah is dried out. then it absorbs all of the ingredients more!!
    ps breakfast for dinner is the most comforting thing.

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