I am not a morning person whatsoever. So when it came to my mom’s birthday last year, I knew what I wanted to do in theory: I wanted to make her breakfast. However, I was not confident in how I would execute that plan. I didn’t know if I could physically get up early and follow a recipe. So I turned to this French toast — a dish that my family has prepared every year on Christmas day for as long as I can remember.
This recipe is for late risers who want to cook an impressive breakfast either for themselves, family, friends, that special someone or maybe all of them at once!
If you’re trying to pull off a surprise breakfast in bed, make this. All the preparation is done the night before, and the only thing you have to do in the morning is preheat the oven, bake and enjoy.
The thick slices of Challah bread soak overnight, absorbing all the wonderful, aromatic ingredients infused in the egg batter. The addition of orange juice and orange zest takes the flavor dynamic of the classic breakfast dish to another level. The bright, citrus taste is both intriguing and irresistible.
Having been the person to cook this dish for someone, as well as the one receiving it in bed, I can assure you, this French toast is a delight to make and even more delightful to wake up to.
Ingredients
1 dozen eggs
1/2 c. cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. orange zest
2 tbsp. orange juice
1 loaf Challah bread (or any other dense loaf bread)
1 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
Cut bread into 1-inch thick slices and place into a 9×13-inch dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, vanilla, orange juice, orange zest and cinnamon.
Pour egg mixture over the bread, making sure slices are well-coated.
Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, place the egg-soaked slices on a well-greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with butter and syrup. Top with your favorite fruit and whipped cream for something extra!