Brioche French Toast With Fresh Berry Compote

Submitted by LifeIsGood

"A delicious combination for a special breakfast. Heck, why wait for a special breakfast? Enjoy this any time! From pastry chef Mariah Swan."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 lb fresh mixed berry, sliced -about 4 cups (such as strawberries and raspberries)
• 1⁄4 cup sugar, plus
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground allspice
• unsalted butter, for the griddle
• 12 slices brioche bread, cut into 3/4 inch slices, from 2 small loaves
• creme fraiche, for serving

directions

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh berries with 1/4 cup sugar and the water and bring to a simmer.
3. Cook over moderate heat , stirring occasionally, until the berries have softened and released their juices and the sugar has dissolved completely, about 8 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the heavy cream, the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and the cinnamon, ginger and allspice.
5. Transfer the cream and egg mixture to a 9x13 baking dish.
6. Heat a large cast-iron griddle over moderate heat and lightly butter it.
7. Working in batches, dip half of the brioche slices in the cream and egg mixture, turning them once, until the slices are moistened but not soggy.
8. Transfer the soaked brioche slices to the griddle and cook them over moderate heat, turning once, until they are golden on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
9. Transfer the finished French toast to a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil and keep warm in the oven while you soak and cook the remaining brioche slices.
10. Transfer the French toast to plates and serve right away, accompanied by the warm berry compote and creme fraiche.

Reviews

[Baby Kato]

Wow, awesome french toast LIG. My brother and I enjoyed this very much. It was quick and really easy to make, with wonderful results. Made exactly as written and wouldn't change a thing. It was so very good. I did forget to put the creme fresh on top for the photo but added it just before serving. It really added a nice element to the dish. Thanks for sharing a recipe that I will make again and again. Happily made for Down Home Cooking tag game.

 

[Chief Scullery Engi]

Great recipe! I substituted the All Spice with vanilla, but may opt for cardamom next time around. The compote and creme fraiche mix was perfect! I halved the recipe (3 servings), and ended up with barely 5 slices of bread worth. I make this again.

 

[Elmotoo]

YUM!!!! I am soo full! I actuallyused a 4lb bag of frozen veggies so I can use the leftover berries for ice cream topping. Except there isn't much left. :o Love the flavor from the spices in the egg. I made creme fraiche by combning 1c sour cream, 2TB brown sugar & 1/2c heavy cream as per directions somewhere. Made for Veggie Swap 4/10!

 

[Crafty Lady 13]

Oh la la...a delicious breakfast treat. It takes a little longer to make than the usual french toast, but it is definitely worth it. I used strawberries and blueberries and for the creme fraiche, I used Recipe #22237. The spices were perfect. Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe, LifeIsGood. Made for ZWT5. Update: This recipe is in my Top Favorites of 2009 Cookbook.

 

[SarasotaCook]

I just wrote a review, but my stars didn't apply. I am hoping they do. Excellent breakfast!! Hopefully the stars stick this time.