French Toast Recipe
berry compote, whipped creme fraiche
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Ingredients
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Berry Compote
Whipped Crème Fraîche
French Toast
Method
Berry Compote
- 1
Cook the berries
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups mixed berries, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- 2
Simmer and slightly break down
Let the mixture simmer for 6–8 minutes, until berries have softened and released juices. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash larger berries to your desired consistency, leaving some whole berries for texture.
- 3
Finish compote
Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more sugar or lemon juice if needed. Cool slightly; compote will thicken as it cools. Keep warm or refrigerate until ready to serve (can be gently reheated).
Whipped Crème Fraîche
- 4
Chill bowl and beaters
Place a mixing bowl and beaters (or whisk) in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill — this helps the crème fraîche whip more easily.
- 5
Whip crème fraîche
In the chilled bowl, combine 1 cup cold crème fraîche, 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (if using). Whisk by hand or with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 1–2 minutes. Do not overwhip; crème fraîche should be airy but still slightly soft. Refrigerate until ready to use.
French Toast
- 6
Make the custard
In a shallow wide dish, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional), 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
- 7
- 8
Pan-fry
Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and let it melt and foam. Place soaked bread slices in the skillet (work in batches; add more butter as needed). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside and cooked through. Lower heat slightly if browning too fast before center sets.
- 9
Keep warm
Transfer cooked slices to a baking sheet and keep in a 200°F (95°C) oven to stay warm while you finish remaining slices.
- 10
Serve
To serve, place 2 slices of French toast per plate. Spoon warm berry compote over the top, dollop or pipe whipped crème fraîche alongside, and finish with an optional drizzle of maple syrup and extra berries for garnish.
