01 -
First things first, let's get that bread ready. Slice your challah or brioche into about 1-inch thick pieces. I usually aim for around 6-8 slices, depending on how hungry we are. Stale bread works wonders here because it won't get soggy too fast. If your bread is super fresh, you can lightly toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out a bit. This step is crucial for that perfect texture, trust me, I've had too many floppy French toast moments.
02 -
Now for the good stuff! In a shallow dish or pie plate (something wide enough for your bread slices), crack your eggs. Add the whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Grab a whisk and go to town! You want it all combined, no streaks of egg white left behind. This is where the magic happens, creating that creamy base for our Quick French Toast. I usually take a quick sniff of the batter; it smells so wonderfully sweet and spicy.
03 -
Time to give that bread a bath! Take one slice of bread and gently place it into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. You don't want it swimming for too long, or it'll get too soft and fall apart. But don't rush it either! You want it nicely saturated. This step is a delicate dance, I swear; I've accidentally broken a slice or two from being too aggressive. Be gentle, friend!
04 -
While your bread is soaking, get your non-stick skillet or griddle nice and hot over medium heat. Add a pat of unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling it around to coat the bottom. You want a good, even heat, not too high or you'll burn the outside before the inside cooks. I've definitely scorched a few batches because I got impatient—learn from my mistakes!
05 -
Carefully transfer your soaked bread slices to the hot griddle. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if you need to. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're beautifully golden brown and the edges look slightly crispy. The smell filling your kitchen right now? That's pure joy, I tell ya. Golden brown is the goal for this Quick French Toast, not dark brown!
06 -
Once your Quick French Toast is perfectly golden and cooked through, transfer it to a plate. Keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you cook the rest of the batch, if you're doing multiple rounds. Then, pile 'em high! Drizzle generously with maple syrup and scatter those fresh berries over the top. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar—it’s your breakfast masterpiece!