Very Vanilla French Toast

This is so simple to make and the flavor is scrumptious! My husband loves french toast. We love to top it with our homemade buttermilk syrup- don't let the name scare you off. I can't go back to using maple syrup ever since I tried it. The syrup is so sweet and yummy, please give it a try! Fresh cut strawberries and whipped cream would also taste great. DO NOT use instant pudding mix. Note: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own to substitute. Just combine 1/2 cup milk with 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using. I usually don't have buttermilk so that's what I do and it turns out the same.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup milk
• 1 (3 ounce) package vanilla pudding mix
• 1  egg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 8  slices  thick bread
• 2  teaspoons butter or 2  teaspoons margarine
•  powdered sugar, if desired

• Buttermilk Syrup

• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine
• 1  tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. For syrup, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add buttermilk, corn syrup, and sugar. Stir and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
2. Remove from heat; add vanilla and baking soda. Syrup will be foamy. Let stand for 5-10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, whisk together milk, pudding mix, egg, and cinnamon for 2 minutes or until well blended.
4. Melt butter on hot griddle or in a skillet. Dip bread in mixture, coating both sides.
5. Cook over heat for 2-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Serve with syrup and powdered sugar or with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
7. Store leftover syrup in refrigerator.