Name: French Toast for Firm European-Style Bread
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon table salt; 4 - 8 slices day-old firm European-style bread (3/4-inch-thick) such as French or Italian; unsalted butter to grease skillet (about 1 tablespoon per batch)

Why This Recipe Works

We wanted a French toast recipe that would be crisp and buttery on the outside, soft and custard-like on the inside, with well-balanced flavor, sweet enough to eat with only a sprinkling of confectioners' sugar, but not so sweet that it couldn't be topped with syrup or macerated fruit. To get this perfect French toast recipe, we used 3/4-inch slices of firm European-style bread to add flavor and richness. To prevent an overly eggy flavor, we used just one egg. Instead of a loose egg mixture in which to dip the bread, we made a batter with the egg, milk, salt, sugar, vanilla, butter, and flour. This got the bread evenly crisp and brown and let just enough moisture through to the interior to keep it custard-like but not heavy.

Before You Begin

Less flour in this recipe allows the batter to penetrate more easily into denser bread.

Instructions

Heat 10- to 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat egg lightly in shallow pan or pie plate; whisk in milk and vanilla, and finally sugar, flour, and salt, continuing to whisk until smooth. Soak bread without oversaturating, about 30 seconds per side. Pick up bread and allow excess batter to drip off; repeat with remaining slices.

Swirl 1 tablespoon butter in hot skillet. Transfer prepared bread to skillet; cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes on first side and 1 minute 15 seconds on the second. Serve immediately. Continue, adding 1 tablespoon butter to skillet for each new batch.