Eggnog French Toast

Since I was a child, the winter season has always been one of anticipation and exhilaration. This season is no different. Only, it’s not for decorative presents, snow-covered slopes or the chance to sleep an extra few hours. Rather, it’s for my mother’s golden, French toast. Flavored with spicy eggnog, it’s become a family tradition to serve during the winter months.

Browned and crispy on the outside with a creamy, custard center – a perfect balance of texture and flavor. An avalanche of molten maple syrup and honey poured over aromatic toast, followed quickly by a generous dusting of powdered sugar. A mountain of abundant sweetness and spice, I devour it like a lion does a baby gazelle.

With the frigid season upon us, I wanted to share this ever delicious, artery-clogging recipe and suggest ways on how you can make it uniquely your own!

Ingredients
4 (1/2-inch or 1-inch) slices of baguette, brioche or challah bread.
1 cup of spiced eggnog
1/8 cup of honey, warmed in microwave for 20 seconds
¼ cup of maple syrup, warmed in microwave for 20 seconds
1 tablespoon of butter
2 tablespoons of confectioners’ (powdered) sugar

Equipment
Measuring cups and spoons
12- to 14-inch skillet
Cake pan or other pan that will hold 4 slices of bread
Spatula
Serving platter

Instructions
Ready your cooking space: Place a frying skillet on the stove over medium-low heat. Pour the eggnog into a large dish or pan and place next to the stove. Add a dash of water into the eggnog and whisk gently. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Soak the French toast: Place four slices of bread into the eggnog to soak for one minute. Flip the slices and soak another minute.

Cook the French toast: While the bread is soaking, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. When it starts to foam, tilt the pan to completely coat the bottom. Lift one piece of bread from the eggnog and hold it to let any excess drip off. Lay the bread gently in the frying pan. Repeat with additional pieces.

Flip the French toast: After a few minutes, peek under a slice of bread to see if the French toast has turned golden and browned. When it has, flip each piece and continue cooking. Monitor and adjust the heat so that the toast doesn’t burn much.

Oven Bake: Remove from skillet and place on rack in oven for 4 minutes. Remove after 4 minutes and enjoy!

Recipe Notes
Additions for sweet French toast: You can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg or a teaspoon of vanilla. Other popular additions include orange or lemon zest. Not sure how this would taste with eggnog but if you are feeling adventurous, go for it!
Sweet toppings for French toast: Maple syrup is the staple, but you can experiment with other kinds of syrups, fruit sauces and/or jams. Fresh fruit, chocolate, Nutella, and whipped cream are very popular.

—Kevin Thurwanger