This is one of my most favouritest breakfast ever. It also helps that it's a prep-ahead dish. The rich sweetness of this pairs wonderfully with some nice smokey/salty bacon and a strong cup of coffee or, y'know, some mimosas. It's perfect for a special occasion, or for making Sunday breakfast a treat.
Crème Brûlée French Toast
from Epicurious
ingredients:
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup (based on the reviews, I reduce this to a scant tbsp)
an 8- to 9-inch round loaf country-style bread
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
1/4 teaspoon salt
preparation:
In a small heavy saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat, stirring, until smooth and pour into a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish. Cut six 1-inch thick slices from center portion of bread, reserving ends for another use, and trim crusts. Arrange bread slices in one layer in baking dish, squeezing them slightly to fit.
In a bowl whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and salt until combined well and pour evenly over bread. Chill bread mixture, covered, at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.
Preheat oven to 350° F. and bring bread to room temperature.(generally I try to leave it sitting out for about half an hour, it's still a bit chilled, but it works. Depending on how long you leave it out, you may have to adjust the cooking time)
Bake bread mixture, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden, 35 to 40 minutes.
Serve hot French toast immediately.
Apple Pork Roast: This was delicious, however, I think I was running on fumes when I made it. I was planning on having it for Sunday lunch, so I was going to put it in the crockpot before I went to bed and it would be perfect when I got home from church. Like some kind of fool, I put the crockpot on high. So, needless to say, when I got up at 7:00, it was already done and the apples were cooked to squish. I just took it out and put it in the refrigerator. Then when I got home, I reheated it in the microwave and fried some apples in butter as a little side dish. We loved it.
Creme Brulee French Toast: I made this dish the following Sunday. We enjoy breakfast food a lot, and really anything that will let us have bacon. The french toast was so rich and the caramel sauce made it so that it didn't need any syrup (not that that stopped J). This dish would make an excellent Christmas morning breakfast, especially since you make it the night before and just bake in the morning.
