French Toast Extraordinaire

Submitted by ncmysteryshopper

"This recipe is from Executive Chef Joshua Schwartz of The French Laundry in Yountville, California; one of the best restaurants in the United States (voted #3 in the world). I could not find tomato jam the first time I made the recipe and used seedless raspberry jam, it was outstanding. When I happened upon a jar of tomato jam at a specialty store, I remembered this recipe and purchased it….again outstanding! I guess there is a reason he is one of the top chefs in the world. Note: Adjust milk as needed as different types of bread absorb more or less. I start out with half the mixture and add as needed."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 12 slices French bread (use good quality fresh bread)
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 6 ounces tomato jam (may be found at specialty stores) or 6 ounces your favorite jam
• 6 eggs
• 1 quart whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sweetness)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ginger

directions

1. Make cream cheese and jam sandwiches.
2. For batter, beat together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt and nutmeg; Fold in lemon juice, sugar and ginger.
3. On griddle or non-stick pan melt butter.
4. Dip the top and bottom of the sandwiches in batter and pan fry until golden brown on each side, just like you would when making french toast.
5. Remove from heat and cut sandwiches in half.
6. Arrange on plate with favorite fruit accompanied with sausage or bacon or perhaps ham.

Reviews

[lifeoutsidezebox]

The french toast came out very very soggy, and everything kept falling apart. If you make it, try to only use a little jam and a little cream cheese, and be prepared for it to fall apart. Try not to soak it too long - just the outside, so the "sandwich" doesn't become a soggy nasty mess.

 

[amylou2]

My DH is in love with stuffed French toast from IHOP -- I have been looking for a recipe that is similar and this one came pretty close! Both he and I enjoyed it! I used regular white bread instead of the french bread suggested and it did not hold up well. Next time I will use a thicker slice of bread as the recipe indicates! Great recipe, thanks for posting!!

 

[QueenQT26]

Mmmmmm...yummy!! I halved this recipe and it turned out so great! I made it for Christmas brunch this morning, and everyone loved it! I used Texas Toast for the bread, and used grape jelly instead of tomato jam. Also used 1/2 soy milk, 1/2 skim milk. I switched it up and made two of the sandwiches with lite strawberry cream chees, and the other one with lite regular cream cheese. Thanks!! :-)

 

[ceruleanseven]

Great recipe! I made it this today on a snowy December morning and it really hit the spot. I used raspberry jam as well and I halved the recipe (since there is only two of us!). Thank you!

 

[Gerry]

Excellent! This makes for a perfect addition to a brunch menu. Looks decadent and tastes great! I didn't manage to find tomato jam, used raspberry ... seeds and all ... loved every bite! We all loved this French Toast Extraordinaire, and have added it to my Brunch recipes. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe.