On a Cold Sunday Morning

Well, the unseasonably "warm" January weather has passed and winter has returned. Sure, the trees look pretty, all covered in hoar frost, but we're back to layering no fewer than 9 different articles of clothing (yes, I counted) just to get the dogs out for a walk so they don't drive us insane for the rest of the day. Well, on a frosty Sunday morning like this, French Toast is the perfect way to get started.

This is a slightly unusual recipe for French Toast, but believe me, it is *delicious* - hands down the best I have ever had. You can either fry this on a skillet, or take the suggestion from Tyler Florence, and cook it in the waffle iron, creating the best of both worlds: French Toast with all those nice, neat little pockets to catch syrup....yummmmm.

adapted from Cook's Illustrated "The Best New Recipe"

French Toast

1 large egg

2 Tbsp (30 g) melted butter, plus extra for frying

3/4 Cup (180 ml) milk

2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract

2 Tbsp (30 g) granulated sugar

1/3 Cup (47 g) all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

4-8 slices day-old sandwich bread. You can also use French or Italian bread.

Griddle: Heat griddle over medium heat for 5 minutes. Mix together egg, butter, milk and vanilla, then gradually blend in sugar, salt & flour. Gently soak bread in batter, coating both sides for a few second on each side, then fry in melted butter on griddle for 1 1/2 -2 minutes for the first side and approximately 1 minute on the second side. Place cooked toasts on warmed plate in a 200F oven to keep warm, while continuing to cook the remaining battered bread.

Waffle Iron: Preheat waffle iron for 5 minutes. Mix together egg, butter, milk and vanilla, then gradually blend in sugar, salt & flour. Gently soak bread in batter, coating both sides for a few second on each side, then place bread in waffle iron and close lid, as you would for waffles.

Place cooked "waffles" on warmed plate in a 200F oven to keep warm, while continuing to cook the remaining battered bread.

Serve with warmed Maple Syrup, fruit, or your favourite waffle or pancake toppings. Stay toasty warm in your PJ's and enjoy!