Who doesn’t want French toast for breakfast!? How about boosting your spirit on Christmas morning? Picture this: It’s a holiday morning. You’re in your cozy kitchen, maybe still in your pajamas, and about to whip up something magical. You’re not just making breakfast; you’re creating a moment. Today, we will make that heavenly, never-enough eggnog creme brulee French toast. And guess what? It all happens in the humble toaster oven. If you plan to feed more than two people, I have a few notes and links for you at the end, so read them through.
Let’s get started. Here is a short version for those in a rush or hungry already. Use thick slices of flavorful brioche bread or challah for this recipe and dip them in a creamy eggnog mixture infused with zesty orange, cinnamon flavors, and orange liqueur (essential!). Then, bake them in the graphite toaster oven for 15 minutes. To serve, I like topping them with powdered sugar and bourbon whipped cream (who would say no to that?) and then sprinkling over fresh pomegranate arils for the holiday season. Pomegranate arils add a nice pop of holiday colors and tart flavor. You can add any berries you like. Raspberries and blackberries work just fine, too. You replace bourbon whipped cream with maple syrup and skip the orange liqueur from the mix when cooking for kids. The best part about this French toast recipe is that you can prep it the night before and stick it in the fridge on the flat pan, which is included with the HeatMate toaster oven set.
Ingredients
(Serves 2)
- Two slices of brioche or challah bread, 1-inch thick pieces.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier®; ½ tablespoon vanilla extract.
- 2 large eggs; 1 cup eggnog; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest; ¼ cup pomegranate arils.
(For Bourbon Whipped Cream)
- ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
Instructions
Ready in 2o minutes (excluding prep)
1. Make the Mixture
Break two large eggs in a bowl, pour one cup of eggnog, whisk together, then add vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, orange liqueur, and salt. Whisk it thoroughly again.
2. Prep the Flat Pan
Take the flat pan that comes with the HeatMate toaster oven set. Put one sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom and brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Prep the Bread
Start with two 1-inch-thick slices of your favorite bread – I’m a brioche guy, but challah works great, too. Soak each slice thoroughly in the eggnog mixture – let it drown in this lush bath. It’s Holiday Flavors 101, my friend. Arrange the bread in the flat pan in a single layer – it’s okay if they overlap slightly. Be bold about using orange zest to cover both slices.
4. Bake in a Toaster Oven
Pour the leftover mixture over the bread with a spoon. Then, set the toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the flat pan with soaked bread in the toaster oven. Turn the timer knob to 15 minutes mark and let the toaster work its magic. The beauty of using a toaster oven is its instant heating. Bake the French toast uncovered for 15 minutes or until golden or lightly browned on top.
5. Make Bourbon Whipped Cream
While the toast is baking, whip together heavy cream and bourbon or orange liqueur ( I used Grand Marnier® at this time) until soft peaks form.
6. Serve
The timer on the toaster oven is off. Take the flat pan out – it’s hot – from the toaster using mittens. The toast should be golden and crispy. Let’s plate these up. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the baked French toast, top with a spoonful of our bourbon whipped cream, and garnish with pomegranate arils for a burst of color and tartness.
Chef’s Reflections
First off, toaster ovens are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. They’re quick, easy, and perfect when not feeding a crowd. Why crank up the big oven when it’s just you and your special someone? I prefer a toaster oven when making breakfast for two or four, since no time is spent preheating the oven. I also like the result’s consistency and the toast’s crispiness from the toaster oven.
Sometimes, more than four people sit around the table waiting for breakfast. In that case, you may prefer a convection oven or a cooktop with a couple of cast-iron skillets. Here are a few lovely French toast recipes to serve the crowd I discovered online, from Marta Stuart for oven cooking and Chef Jean-Pierre for cast iron skillets. Try them this winter, and check which one you like more.
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it. An indulgent yet straightforward breakfast that’s perfect for those lazy holiday mornings. It’s all about the little things, the simple joys, like making a fantastic breakfast in a toaster oven. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Grab your apron, put your toaster oven on the spot, and make these holidays more delicious, shall we? Cheers, and happy cooking!
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