French Toast and Coconut Syrup

French Toast

Submitted: Summer Thatcher

From: Alton Brown

This is my very favorite way to eat French Toast...the custard is to die for:)

1 c. half-and-half (or heavy cream)

3 eggs

2 TBS honey, warmed in microwave for 20 seconds

1/4 tsp. salt

8 (1/2 inch) slices day old or stale country loaf, brioche or challah bread***

4 TBS butter

In medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs, honey and salt. You may do this the night before. WHen ready to cook, pour custard mixture into a pie pan and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Dip bread into mixture, allow to soak for 30 seconds on each side, and then remove to a cooling rack that is sitting in a sheet pan, and allow to sit for 1-2 minutes.

Over medium-low heat, melt 1 TBS of butter in a 10" nonstick saute pan. Place 2 slices of bread at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and place on rack in oven for 5 minutes. Repeat with all 8 slices. Serve immediately with syrup, whipped cream or fruit.

***I use french bread and I can use more like 10-15 slices, not 8.

Coconut Syrup

This stuff is A-MAZING! Even if you don't like coconut, you will probably still LOVE this. My 4-year old just kept saying WOW! YUM!! This is sooo good! It came from The Sisters Cafe.

7-8 TBS butter

3/4 c. buttermilk***

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. coconut extract

Put butter, milk and sugar in saucepan. Put on medium heat and stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add soda and coconut extract. It will bubble up; just continue to stir and give it a few minutes for the fizz to reduce before serving.

***I didn't have any buttermilk on hand, so I put 1 tsp. of lemon juice in a 1c. measuring cup and add milk the rest of the way. Wait for 5 minutes and BAM...buttermilk