Ina's French Toast

By Addie

FoodTV
Courtesy of Ina Garten
Show: Barefoot Contessa
Episode: Romantic Breakfast

Ingredients

• TO SERVE:
• 6 extra-large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or milk
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon good honey
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large loaf Challah or brioche
• 3-4 tablespoons butter
• Vegetable oil
• Butter
• Pure maple syrup
• Good raspberry preserves (optional)
• Sifted confectioners' sugar (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, orange zest, vanilla, honey, and salt. Slice the Challah in 3/4-inch thick slices. Soak as many slices in the egg mixture as possible for 5 minutes, turning once.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a very large saute pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Place the cooked French toast on a sheet pan and keep it warm in a 250 degree oven, if desired. Fry the remaining soaked bread slices, adding butter and oil as needed, until it's all cooked. Serve hot with maple syrup, raspberry preserves, and/or confectioners' sugar.

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REVIEWS

This recipe makes the most fabulous use of that whatever slightly stale Challah you have left over. I've made these twice now, and I'm so impressed with the results. Ethereal, filling, and the perfect canvas for toppings or fillings of all kinds. Try it as a dessert using pastry cream, mixed berries, and powdered sugar.

I made this for a Mother's Day brunch at my home and it was delicious! I thought that I had the vanilla extract needed, but I did not. So, I used every other ingredient and it still came out great! Everyone raved about them. I'm going to make this again this weekend!

A great basic French toast recipe that can be modified endless ways. I made it exactly according to the recipe and then did a layer of cream cheese sandwiched between two finished slices of french toast baked in the oven at 375 for about 7 minutes. Delicious!

This was the best French toast I've ever made! I only had 4 eggs, but kept the liquid the same, although used 1 cup whole milk, and 1/2 cup half & half. I omitted the orange zest - I wasn't sure the kids would like it. Will make this again for sure!

Made this for breakfast, and decided to have it again for dinner. Yes, it was THAT good!

OMG - For a simple recipe, what a treat!

Followed this recipe to almost a T (soaked the bread for about 3 to 4 minutes. instead and instead of vanilla extract used the inner contents of half vanilla bean and it was PERFECT! Will definitely make it again.

This is my 2nd time making this and its great. I added a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg and it was delicious. I lined it up again to rebuild the loaf of Challah bread to make it look fancy. Everybody raved about it.

I never ever write reviews, but I tried this recipe for my toddler. and they were sooooooo delicious. I like French toast, but these were the best ever. The only thing I did different, I didn't have honey so I added a small amount of maple syrup instead. The result was unbelievable and I am already making plans for brunch get together so people can try this French toast. Absolutely the BEST French toast!!