French Toast
Changing our circumstances isn't always possible, but changing what we do with them is.
Beyond the Ingredients
Why This Recipe Matters
French toast is a recipe built on transformation. A few slices of bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla are ordinary ingredients on their own. But when brought together in a different way, they become something entirely new. Nothing complicated, nothing extraordinary, just familiar things used differently.
Life doesn't always give us the opportunity to start over with everything we wish we had. We face circumstances we didn't choose, limitations we can't immediately change, and situations that don't turn out the way we hoped. It's easy to believe that moving forward requires something we don't have or a change that feels beyond our reach.
But our circumstances don't always have to change before we can begin making different choices. We can look at what's available to us, reconsider how we approach a problem, and discover possibilities we hadn't previously considered.
That doesn't mean every difficulty has a simple solution or that we can turn every painful experience into something positive. Some circumstances are genuinely hard, and no amount of determination can make them disappear.
What remains within our control is how we choose to respond, what we do with the opportunities available to us, and whether we're willing to consider a different approach when the one we've been following isn't working.
The Takeaway
We may not always be able to change what life gives us, but we can discover new possibilities in what we choose to do with it.
What You Need
Ingredients
Serves 2 servings
How to Make It
Directions
- 1
In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- 2
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and let it warm up for about a minute.
- 3
Add the butter and swirl it around the pan until it melts and starts to foam slightly.
- 4
Dip one slice of bread into the egg mixture, pressing down gently so it soaks up the custard. Let it soak for about 15–20 seconds per side — you want it saturated but not falling apart.
- 5
Lay the soaked bread into the hot buttered pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle.
- 6
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown, then flip and cook another 2 minutes on the other side.
- 7
Repeat with the remaining slices, adding a little more butter to the pan between batches if needed.
- 8
Serve immediately dusted with powdered sugar and a generous pour of maple syrup.
From the Kitchen
Small Things That Matter
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best — it soaks up the custard without getting soggy
Don't rush the soak — give each slice a good 15–20 seconds per side so the custard gets into the bread
Medium heat is your friend here — too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks through
Keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet while you cook the rest of the batch
Variations & Additions
Make It Yours
- Use brioche or challah for an extra rich, almost dessert-like version
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warm, spiced flavor
- Top with fresh berries and whipped cream instead of syrup for a brunch-worthy plate
- Spread peanut butter or Nutella between two slices before dipping for a stuffed French toast
Watch It
Watch It Being Made
Video courtesy of Preppy Kitchen
This video may not follow our recipe exactly. Ingredients, amounts, or steps can differ a little. Use it as a guide to see the techniques in action, and follow the recipe on this page for the details. All videos
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