Amaretto French Toast

This recipe was a friend's idea. I served her my Grand Marnier French Toast, which she loved. And then she suggested that I create a new version using Amaretto - her favorite liqueur - instead of the Grand Marnier.

We both enjoyed the result. I hope you will too.

RECIPE:

4 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup amaretto
Pinch of salt
6-8 slices bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, and then whisk in the milk, amaretto, and salt.

Add the bread slices to the bowl, toss so that each slice is covered with the custard mixture, and let it sit for several minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Heat the oil on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the coated bread slices on the griddle and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Top with powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired.

-- 3-4 servings (2 slices per serving)

Grand Marnier French Toast

This recipe was inspired by my friend Shirley, who suggested adding Grand Marnier orange-flavored liqueur to the custard mixture when making French Toast. So here is my version, which turned out great!

I like it with maple syrup; however, like most French Toast recipes, the topping possibilities are virtually unlimited.

RECIPE:

4 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
6-8 slices bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, and then whisk in the milk, Grand Marnier, sugar, vanilla, and salt.

Add the bread slices to the bowl, toss so that each slice is covered with the custard mixture, and let it sit for several minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Heat the oil on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the coated bread slices on the griddle and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Top with powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired.

-- 3-4 servings (2 slices per serving)

Garlic Toast

Most garlic bread that I encounter here in the U.S. is loaded with lots of butter and often granulated garlic powder. According to my Italian grandmother, that stuff is not authentic.

Here is her version of garlic bread. It's simpler, much healthier, and very tasty.

RECIPE:

4 slices hearty Italian bread, cut in half if very large
1 or 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, as needed
2 large cloves garlic, halved

Preheat broiler. Place bread slices in single layer on baking sheet. Toast under broiler until golden on one side.

Turn the bread slices over, and brush the untoasted sides lightly with the olive oil.

Broil until the oiled side of the bread is crisp and golden. The inside of the bread should still be somewhat tender.

Remove from broiler, and then rub the oiled sides of the bread with the cut sides of the garlic cloves. Use 1/2 garlic clove for each bread slice.

Discard the garlic cloves (or use as a garnish), and serve the toast immediately.

-- 4 servings

Vanilla-Cinnamon French Toast

This version of French Toast, featuring the comforting flavors of vanilla and cinnamon, will appeal to folks of all ages.

It's a delicous way to use up and revitalize day-old (or older) bread that is starting to go stale.

RECIPE:

4 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
6-8 slices bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, and then whisk in the milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.

Add the bread slices to the bowl, toss so that each slice is covered with the custard mixture, and let it sit for several minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Heat the oil on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the coated bread slices on the griddle and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Top with powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired.

-- 3-4 servings (2 slices per serving)

Cinnamon-Nutmeg French Toast

This is a basic, old-fashioned version of French Toast, which did indeed originate in the Mediterranean country of France. However, while the French traditionally cook this in butter, I prefer to lighten it up by cooking it in just a small amount of vegetable oil (preferably canola).

Flavored with earthy vanilla extract along with cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe packs a lot of flavor, but doesn't require much time or effort.

RECIPE:

4 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
6-8 slices bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, and then whisk in the milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.

Add the bread slices to the bowl, toss so that each slice is covered with the custard mixture, and let it sit for several minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Heat the oil on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the coated bread slices on the griddle and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Top with powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired.

-- 3-4 servings (2 slices per serving)

Pan-Grilled Pita Wedges

Grilling pita wedges in a grill pan or skillet adds a toasty richness to the bread.

They're great for dipping into hummus and other Mediterranean-style dips. They're also a nice accompaniment to a salad, a stew, or sauteed or roasted vegetables.

I especially like the whole wheat pita bread.

RECIPE:

Pita pockets (full-size or mini)
Extra virgin olive oil

Cut the pita pockets into wedges (6 wedges for each full-size pita, or 4 wedges for mini)

Lightly brush a large skillet or grill pan with the olive oil.

Grill the pita slices over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, until golden.