On a cool and crisp fall morning there is nothing better to start your day than a warm and comforting breakfast. French toast served with warm maple syrup and fried apples is truly a sweet start.
French toast is a breakfast staple all over the world. Possibly it is because it is rather simple to make, but can be made into a gourmet breakfast when served with the right side dish(es). One such side dish is fried apples. Fried apples, a popular southern dish, are a great addition to any fall meal, especially breakfast. This dish can add tang, spice or sweetness to your breakfast. If you want sweetness, choose a sweeter apple like the Braeburn or McIntosh. If you prefer more tang, go with a tarter apple like the Granny Smith or Jonathan apple. For more spice choose a spicy apple like Fuji, Winesap or Northern Spy. Any variety of apple that is okay for baking or cooking can be used.
French toast served with fried apples can be a wonderful romantic breakfast for two, or a great meal that the entire family can make together. It is also a perfect breakfast to serve to someone in bed on a special day, or as a way of simply expressing your love and appreciation.
French Toast
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough, honey whole wheat or french bread are good choices)
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- oil for the pan/skillet
- warm maple syrup
- whip cream or powdered sugar (optional)
Preparation:
- Heat oil in skillet
- Warm oven to your lowest temperature
- Beat together milk, eggs, almond/vanilla extract in bowl
- Dip bread in mixture. Make sure bread is moist on both sides but not soaked
- Place toast in skillet and brown on both sides (should be a golden brown)
Keep the toast warm in a warming drawer or warm oven while you prepare the fried apples.
Fried Apples
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2-3 sliced and peeled apples
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of white sugar
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Preparation:
- Heat butter in skillet
- Add apples to skillet
- Top with cinnamon and sugars
- Make sure apples are fully covered/coated
- Stir occasionally to ensure the apples don't stick to the skillet. Cook until apples are caramelized, soft and a golden brown.
Smother the French toast with fried apples, maple syrup and whip cream, or serve the French toast alone with the apples as a side dish. If you want more sweetness and/or spice, lightly dust French toast with powdered sugar and/or cinnamon. Bon appetit.
