Fun fact: French toast isn’t even French. I thought this would be a “perfect French recipe” on our quest to learn about other countries by trying recipes from other parts of the world and learning about other cultures through food, crafts, and music. Turns out that modern “French” toast is actually American. According to the “legend”, a man named Joseph French was the one who created it.
Wow. That was a lot of quotation marks.
Needless to say, I’m sure there will be plenty more mistakes where that came from given my track record for things like this….Hello French fries, Italian dressing, and Swiss cheese. But, now we all know a new fun fact about this American born breakfast delicacy.
What Is French Toast?
So, what exactly is French toast (besides American?) It is a huge step up from toast, that you can actually call a complete breakfast without spending very much time or energy to make. Take slices of bread (preferably brioche, which actually is French), dip them in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, and then fry them until they’re golden brown. And just like that, you are the hero of the weekend sleepover.
Why French Toast is Awesome:
- It’s Versatile: French toast is like the chameleon of breakfast foods. It can be sweet, savory, or anything in between. You can top it with something simple like butter or make it more complex with a variety of toppings like syrup, berries, chocolate chips, peanut butter or really whatever. Some people prefer it savory with eggs and bacon on top. There really is a topping for everyone.
- Stale Bread Savior: For the loaf of bread that is too old and crispy to use for sandwiches (but not to the point of moldy… parents from the 1980’s who need this reminder to just toss moldy bread) French toast is the perfect solution. No waste and full stomachs.
- Kids Can Make it Themselves: French toast is super easy for kids to make a “fancy breakfast” by themselves (assuming they can use a stove). It just uses pantry ingredients and can be made in under 15 minutes assuming there is no spilled milk or smashed eggs.
How to Make French Toast:
Ingredients:
- Slices of Brioche (for thick sweet French Toast) OR stale bread (for no waste) OR just regular bread
- Eggs
- Milk
- A pinch of cinnamon (because we’re feeling fancy)
- A dash of vanilla extract (because we’re going all out)
- Butter, oil, or cooking spray
- Toppings (syrup, powdered sugar, fruit)
Let’s Do It:
- Crack eggs into a bowl, add milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together.
- Heat a skillet to medium and add oil, butter, or cooking spray.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are soaked.
- Place the soaked slices onto the skillet. Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Transfer your French toast to a plate and add your favorite toppings. Syrup, powdered sugar, fruit, or all of the above – ENJOY!
KID COOKING GUIDE
PARENT PREP: because someone has to do the dirty work
KIDTASTIC! Tasks for the kiddos
PARENT TASK: Keeping kids out of the hospital one task at a time
TEAM TASK: Working together to get it done
PARENT CHEAT: I have a million things to do and cooking isn’t one
**Every child is different when it comes to what they can do in the kitchen. The “kidtastic!” And “Parent tasks” are only suggestions when it comes to dividing up jobs. Always supervise your child in the kitchen and go at their pace.
Parent Cheat: None
Parent Prep: None
French Toast
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bread Brioche works the best because of its sweetness
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Kidtastic!: Add milk, egg, vanilla, and cinnamon into a bowl and mix.
- Kidtastic!: Put bread in mixture making sure both sides are covered.
- Team Task: Spray non stick pan and turn stove onto medium.
- Team Task: Cook bread until lightly brown on both sides (about 4 minutes per side)
- Kidtastic!: Add syrup, powdered sugar, butter, or fresh fruit to French toast and ENJOY!!!!
