Snow Day French Toast

Jonas has come and…well, is still lingering…but we made it through the worst!

On Saturday, I relived my childhood by playing in the snow for hours, runner-style. I headed out the door with low expectations — I didn’t think I’d make it more than a few minutes in the blizzard. However, equipped with ski goggles, multiple layers, trail shoes and a cautious pace, I had 8 miles of snowy, windy fun!

Day two of the blizzard was a little less fun. I headed out for blizzard running part two, but quickly turned around when reality hit me and I realized I had hours of shoveling to do — about 3 hours, to be exact.

To make the day a little less painful — well, at least mentally (my back is STILL sore) — I whipped up a little snow day comfort food: French toast!

I started with a mixture of eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie space and a dash of salt. I dunked whole wheat bread into the mixture and let it soak for just 3-4 minutes — if you’re using whole wheat bread (especially if you’re using fresh bread), you don’t want to let it soak for too long or else it will fall apart.

To go along with French toast, I made a mixed berry reduction sauce by bringing frozen berries and a little bit of water and sugar to a boil and them simmering on medium-low for 10 minutes.

To finish it off, I drizzled the French toast with the berry syrup (and maple syrup, of course), lemon zest, blanched slivered almonds and a bit of powdered sugar.

The next time you’re looking for a comforting meal to refuel after a long day in the cold, this mixed berry-lemon French toast will hit the spot!

Ingredients:

• (For two people) 4 slices whole wheat toast
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• For the custard:
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 1 tsp each cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 small dash salt
• For the berry sauce:
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
• Toppings (optional):
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp blanched slivered almonds
  • Maple syrup

Instructions:

• Mix together the ingredients for the custard until combined and pour into shallow dish
• Soak the whole wheat bread for 1-2 minutes on each side. Press gently to make sure bread is completely submerged in custard mixture
• Melt half the butter and oil in a pan on medium heat
• Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown
• Top with berry sauce and toppings of choice
• Enjoy!