Our friends from LA were visiting this past weekend. Sunday morning I prepared breakfast before we went for a walk at Avila Beach prior to their getting on the road back home.
The recipe for this Super Duper French Toast (that really is the name of it) is one I’ve had a long time, and actually don’t know where it came from.
Aside from its’ delicious flavor , it can be partially prepared the evening before saving you time in the morning.
All you need to do in the morning is remove the orange scented batter soaked slices of bread from the fridge, heat the griddle and cook until golden.
Serve with a pitcher of pure maple syrup, center-cut applewood smoked bacon (I like to bake mine on a rack at 400 degrees till crisp), your choice of fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee, A perfect way to start your Sunday!
Here’s the easy recipe…
Super Duper French Toast (source unknown)
(4 servings)
6 large eggs
2/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup Grand Marnier
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
finely grated zest of 1 orange
8 slices of challah bread (or French Bread) , sliced ¾-inch thick
3 to 4 tablespoons butter
Serve with your choice of:
Confectioner’s sugar
Butter
Pure maple syrup
Beat eggs in a large bowl. Add orange juice, Grand Marnier, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt and orange zest. Mix well. Dip bread, coating all surfaces. Transfer to a baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining egg mixture over top; cover and refrigerate over night, turning occasionally. The liquid will be absorbed.
In the morning, melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Adjust temperature if butter begins to burn.
Add bread slices in batches and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
Turn and continue cooking other side until browned about another 8 minutes. Serve whole or cut bread diagonally. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like.
Serve immediately. Pass the butter and maple syrup.