Cinnamon Raisin French Toast

It's been a long week for many folks... and I cannot be more excited for the weekend. Aside from the lazy mornings in pajamas, the hot cup of coffee to jump start the day and just having the weekend to spend with loved ones, one of my favorite parts of the weekend is breakfast or brunch. It's the one time of the week where I can make something for my family and take my time doing so. To end this week on a sweet note, here's a recent breakfast I made - Cinnamon Raisin French Toast. Cinnamon raisin bread is drenched in a sweet custard then cooked on a skillet until golden brown and crispy on the edges while maintaining a soft middle. Add a touch of warmed maple syrup and a healthy pat of butter and you're in breakfast heaven...

Actually, I take that back. The Baron is behind this one because he lovingly made me breakfast one morning. I guess we can both take credit for this one because I prepared the custard and dipped the toast while The Baron finished the rest. He may not be in the kitchen all the time for meals but when he is, he certainly takes his cooking tasks seriously. In making this, I was banned from checking on the toast as they cooked in the skillet. In fact, he'd give me a stern look when I came too close to the stovetop lol. But I can't complain... this was delicious and perfect, thanks to the guy who carefully made sure it was cooked to perfection with the outside crisp and the inside soft. I hope you have a wonderful breakfast this weekend with someone you love, just as I did...

Cinnamon Raisin French Toast
recipe adapted from Panera

8 slices 1/2” thick Cinnamon Raisin Bread (or Rudy's GF bread)
4 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the French Toast custard, combine using a hand whisk the milk, heavy cream, eggs, honey, vanilla extract and the salt. This custard can be made well in advance. Give a brisk stir before making the toast.
Transfer the custard to a casserole or open shallow dish for dipping.

Dip one slice into the custard and turn over after about 15 seconds. Transfer the slice to a plate while dipping another slice into the custard.

Place a large skillet on a medium fire. Allow the pan to heat thoroughly before pouring 1 Tablespoon of the melted butter into the pan.

Place both slices carefully into the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown or about 2 minutes.

Repeat steps 3-5 until all the French toast is cooked.

An optional step is to place each finished French toast onto a baking sheet in a preheated oven until all are ready to serve. Serve warm with real maple syrup.