Indulge in the delightful taste of France with our irresistible "Pain Perdu with Mixed Berries"! This classic French toast recipe transforms stale bread into a heavenly breakfast treat, perfectly complemented by the vibrant flavors of fresh berries. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can impress your family or guests with this gourmet dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into the sweet world of Pain Perdu and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of stale bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mixed berries
- Butter for frying
Instructions
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Take the stale bread slices and carefully dip each slice into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 30 seconds on each side to absorb the liquid.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous pat of butter and allow it to melt and coat the cooking surface.
- Carefully transfer the soaked bread slices to the heated skillet. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, with a slight caramelization.
- While the bread is cooking, prepare the mixed berries by gently washing and patting them dry. If desired, you can lightly macerate the berries with a sprinkle of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Once the Pain Perdu is cooked, transfer to serving plates. Top generously with the mixed berries.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for additional sweetness. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, use stale bread like brioche or challah. The denser the bread, the better it will soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for about 30 seconds on each side. This ensures each slice is fully infused with flavor and will result in a custardy center.
- Perfect Your Heat: Maintain a medium heat on your skillet to achieve that golden-brown crust without burning. If the heat is too high, the outside may cook too quickly while the inside remains soggy.
- Enhance the Berries: For a burst of flavor, consider macerating the mixed berries with a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of lemon juice for about 10 minutes before serving. This will draw out their natural juices and create a delicious syrup.
- Serve Immediately: Pain Perdu is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet. Serve it warm, topped with the mixed berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 130mg
