French Custard Toast ( Pain Perdu)

Submitted by Leslie in Texas

"This is fabulous for a brunch or special breakfast.Pain Perdu, literally "lost bread", is an ingenious way to transform day-old bread into heavenly French toast, fried until crispy on the outside but still creamy in the center.Serve with fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side if you wish. Prep time does not include the time for soaking the bread slices. This can be made the night before you wish to serve it."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 12 slices day-old French bread (sliced 1 1/2 inches thick)
• 4 eggs, beaten to blend
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1⁄3 cup superfine sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
• 4 tablespoons canola oil
• powdered sugar, to garnish
• maple syrup or berry syrup, to serve

directions

1. Arrange bread slices in single layer in 2 9x13 baking dishes.
2. Whisk eggs,milk, sugar, lemon peel,vanilla, salt and nutmeg in large bowl until blended.
3. Pour over bread; let soak 5 minutes.
4. Turn slices over; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
5. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of oil on griddle or in each of 2 large, heavy skillets( preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat.
6. Add bread and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side; do not undercook or the insides will not be completely set.
7. Transfer to a heated platter,sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately with the syrup of your choice.