Torrijas

This Basque version of French toast is simple and comforting

(Makes 8 dessert servings)

• 3 cups 2 percent milk
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 lemon, peel cut off into pieces and finely chopped
• 8 slices (1-inch thick) day-old French bread
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Ground cinnamon and confectioner’s sugar, for garnish
• 4 cups fresh mixed berries

• 1. In large skillet, combine milk, cinnamon sticks, sugar, and lemon peel. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes. Dip bread slices in milk and arrange bread in a 9x13-inch baking pan. Pour remaining milk over bread slices halfway up side of pan. Let stand 1 1/2 hours. Turn once during standing time.
• 2. Remove each slice of bread from pan, draining well; set aside. (At this point bread can be placed in another pan, covered and held overnight in refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 2 hours before cooking). Place flour and beaten eggs in shallow bowls; set aside.
• 3. In large skillet, add enough oil to cover bottom of pan 1/4-inch deep. Heat oil over medium-high heat. Dip bread slices into flour, then eggs, and fry on both sides until golden brown. Keep warm in oven.
• 4. Just before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon and dust with confectioners sugar. Top each slice with 1/2 cup fresh berries.

Nutrients per serving:
Calories: 298
Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Carbohydrate: 51g
Sodium: 251mg
Protein: 8g
Total dietary fiber: 4g

September & October 2005

Photographer: Edmond Van Hoorick

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