Name: Flying Star Cafes Fabulous French Toast Recipe
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-cut brioche slices; 4 large eggs; 1 cups whole milk; 0.5 cups heavy cream; 2 tbs granulated sugar; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 pinch salt; 2 tbs unsalted butter (for pan); 4 tbs unsalted butter; 0.75 cups light brown sugar, packed; 0.5 cups heavy cream; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 0.25 tsp kosher salt; 1 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 each ripe banana, sliced; 1 cups real heavy cream (for whipped cream); 1.5 tbs confectioners' sugar; 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract (for whipped cream); 1 tsp powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Method

French Toast

Make the custard

In a wide shallow bowl or dish large enough to dip bread, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly frothy.

Soak the brioche

Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each brioche slice into the custard for 10–20 seconds per side, allowing the bread to absorb liquid but not fall apart. Hold slices on a rack briefly to let excess drip off.

Cook the French toast

Add 1–2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the preheated skillet. When foam subsides and butter is sizzling, place soaked brioche slices in the pan (do not overcrowd). Cook 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and set. If making multiple batches, keep finished slices warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven.

Caramelized Brown Sugar Butter Sauce

Prepare the sauce

While or after cooking the last batch of French toast, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar and stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble, about 2–3 minutes.

Finish the sauce

Reduce heat to low and carefully stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream (mixture will steam and bubble). Stir until smooth, 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Keep warm; if it thickens too much, gently rewarm and add a tablespoon of cream or milk.

Fruit & Toppings

Make whipped cream

Chill a mixing bowl and beaters for best results. Pour 1 cup heavy cream into the bowl, add 1 1/2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip at medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 2–3 minutes). Do not overbeat. Keep chilled until serving.

Prepare fruit

Hull and slice enough strawberries to yield 1 cup and slice 1 ripe banana just before serving to prevent browning.

Assemble

Place 2 slices of hot French toast on each plate. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the warm caramelized brown sugar butter sauce over the toast. Arrange sliced strawberries and bananas over and beside the toast. Add a generous dollop of real whipped cream on top (about 1/4 cup per serving). Dust lightly with 1 teaspoon powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately.