French Toast

Ingredients

• 8 slices challah or brioche bread, (sliced 3/4-inch thick)
• 3 large eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest ((optional))
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Unsalted butter
• Vegetable oil
• Maple syrup
• Fresh fruit, (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 250°. Place the slices of bread on a sheet pan inside the oven to dry out slightly while you prepare the other ingredients, no more than 15 minutes.

2. 2

   In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, milk, orange zest, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Soak as many slices in the egg mixture as possible for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once.

3. 3

   Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a very large saute pan or griddle over medium heat.

4. 4

   Add the soaked bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until well browned. Place the cooked French toast back on the sheet pan and keep it warm in the oven until ready to serve.

5. 5

   Fry the remaining soaked bread slices, adding butter and oil as needed, until it's all cooked.

6. 6

   Serve hot with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and extra butter, if desired.