Beignet French Toast

This is a French Toast recipe that my family has been enjoying for quite some time. It's a fun recipe to be enjoyed especially on a weekend morn. It's considered a special treat when I make these because they are delicious!

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 6  slices  white bakery-style  bread (at least 1 inch thick ) or 6  slices  homemade  white bread (at least 1 inch thick )
• 2  cups flour
• 4  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
•  salt
• 1  large egg, beaten slightly
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1  tablespoon butter, melted
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
•  canola oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Quarter the bread slices diagonally and trim the crusts. Leave the bread to dry overnight, or spread the slices on a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to dry for 5 – 10 minutes. Do not turn the oven off.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk in the beaten egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Heat 2 – 3” of canola oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer until hot but not smoking (about 375 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Dip the bread slices in the batter, coating them completely. Fry them in the hot oil in small batches (4 – 6 at a time, depending on the size of the saucepan or fryer) for about 30 seconds on each side, until golden.
5. Drain the bread on paper towels and keep the first batches hot by placing them in the oven while you fry the remainder. When you have finished frying all the toast, serve immediately. Serve with maple syrup, honey, or sugar and cinnamon to top the toast.