French Toast (French Pain Perdu)

This French toast recipe, or pain perdu, is an easy preparation of thickly sliced bread soaked in a sweetened, vanilla-scented custard mixture and then fried in butter to golden perfection. The name pain perdu literally means lost bread and is used in reference to using day-old bread that would otherwise be lost. Dress up this French toast recipe with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries.

4 eggs
4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups milk
8 thick slices day-old bread, cut on a bias
4 Tbsp. butter

Garnish:
whipped cream
confectioners' sugar
berries

Beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is completely blended and smooth. Stir the milk into the egg mixture until it is fully incorporated. Place the slices of bread into the egg mixture, turn them over to coat all the surfaces, and allow the bread to soak for 10 minutes.

Melt 1 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Cook 2 slices of soaked bread in the melted butter for 3 minutes. Turn the slices of French toast over and cook them for an additional 3 minutes, until they are golden brown and lightly crispy on each side. Repeat with the remaining butter and soaked bread.

Makes 4 servings.

Cook's Note: While softer breads may be used, this French toast recipe produces great results with a drier, more substantial bread, like a country loaf or baguette.