Two Tomatoes and Parmesan French Toast

Recipes by Clotilde Dusoulier, drawn from the book Chocolate & Zucchini

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 10  ounces  bread
• 4  eggs
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  herbes de provence
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 6  tomatoes
• 12  sun-dried tomatoes
•  extra virgin olive oil
• 2  garlic cloves
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cut the bread in 2-inch wide pieces. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, herbs, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Add the bread, toss to coat, and let stand for 10 minutes, stirring gently every now and then to ensure even coating.
2. In the meantime, core the tomatoes and slice them horizontally in 1/3-inch slices. Let stand in a colander to drain for 5 minutes. Cut the sun-dried tomato halves in bite-size pieces.
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a large baking dish with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Arrange the tomato slices over the bottom of the dish, reserving nine of the most attractive for the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, drizzle with a little olive oil, and top with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Arrange the bread over the tomatoes, pour the remaining egg mixture over the dish, top with the reserved tomato slices, and sprinkle with cheese. (This can be prepared up to 8 hours ahead, covered tightly and refrigerated).
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until heated through. Switch to broiler setting and broil for 5 minutes, keeping an eye on the dish, until the cheese is golden and the bread is crisp at the edges. Serve with a salad of mixed greens.