Christmas Day is just days away and I’d be remiss if I didn’t share my favorite Christmas Day dish:
Make-Ahead Delicious Baked Almond French Toast.
It’s hearty. It’s a breeze to make. And I love that I can make such an elegant dish with no rush or kitchen mess on Christmas day.
I’ve posted this recipe before (though I’ve updated it) as it’s perfect year-round. Just last week, Ron made it while staying with his friends at a base camp house while elk hunting. The guys loved it and even asked for the recipe.
I serve this dish with fresh fruit like raspberries and blackberries, along with fresh homemade whipped cream (maple syrup is delicious here, too). This pairs well with the crisp, browned almonds atop the moist center. It’s absolutely delicious and I get lots of requests for it.
The original recipe called for a soft Italian loaf of bread, but I’ve since tried various breads, including a walnut artisan bread from Trader Joe’s that was fantastic. But my all-time favorite is Trader Joe’s Sliced French Brioche bread (find a store near you, here). This bread surpasses all other breads for a fluffy, gourmet treat. It’s a game changer.
I also now use a non-glass baking dish so I don’t have to wait for it to warm to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
I recommend serving it with fresh homemade whipped cream. I follow Ina Garten’s version noted in the recipe below. It’s so easy—just slowly beat the sugar into the heavy whipped cream until it peaks. That’s it. Just a couple of minutes for a heavenly, healthy, and creamy topping. So delicious! And so worth the bit of extra effort.
Looking for more Christmas Day recipes? Check out my recipe for Homemade Hot Buttered Rum Mix. Yummy!
Enjoy!
From our house to yours…
Happy Holidays!
XOXO
Ingredients
FOR FRENCH TOAST
1 loaf of Trader Joe's Sliced Brioche bread (or any 14 to 16-inch soft loaf or specialty artisan bread)
3 large eggs
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons melted butter (salted or unsalted)
4 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
FOR TOPPING
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup sliced almonds (I always add more)
A generous pinch of salt
ACCOMPANIMENT
Fresh raspberries, blackberries, and homemade whipped cream -or- just maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375° with rack in the middle.
MAKE FRENCH TOAST
- If using a loaf, cut crosswise into 1-inch thick slices or use pre-cut slices of your favorite loaf
- Gently squeeze as many slices as possible, cut side up, into a buttered 13X9-inch pan.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, butter, sugar, salt, and almond extract and pour evenly over bread.
- Chill, covered, until the bread has absorbed the custard—about 1 hour or overnight.
ASSEMBLE TOPPING:
- Lightly whisk the egg white with sugar and a generous pinch of salt.
- Stir in almonds until well combined.
- Spread mixture evenly over bread.
- Bake until bread is puffed and golden—about 25-35 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes & Tips:
- The custard combines well if you begin by whisking the eggs first, then add the milk. When you add the butter, do so in a slow stream, constantly whisking.
- Use a long serrated knife to cut the bread.
- Use a rubber spatula to spread the almond mixture over the bread.
- Make-Ahead Delicious Baked Almond French Toast is scrumptious on its own or with maple syrup, but it's especially scrumptious with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream.
- Make-Ahead Delicious Baked Almond French Toast is a great brunch dish, but it's also an excellent dessert.
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FOR HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM:
- Place mixing bowl (I use stainless steel) and beaters in the freezer overnight or for at least 1/2 hour to chill.
- Slowly add five tablespoons baker's sugar (fine sugar) while whipping two cups heavy whipping cream (I use those without carrageenan; just pure cream)
- Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- *Do not over beat!* Whipped cream only takes a couple of minutes to make, but it's only a few seconds between soft whipped cream and over-mixed whipped cream.
♥ SprySparrow.com
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