New Orleans Pain Perdu Recipes

PAIN PERDU - LOST BREAD, A.K.A. FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Preheat nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Beat eggs very well, add sugar and beat again. Add cornstarch in water and beat that in, then add milk and nutmeg. Coat bread thoroughly in egg-milk mixture. Lightly butter hot pan with butter nested in paper towels. Add bread to the pan and cook slowly, 3 or 4 minutes on each side, 2 to 3 slices at a time. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or Three Berry Compote.
• Combine sugar, lemon and water in a small sauce pot. Over moderate heat, dissolve sugar into water. Stir in fruit, coating it in sugar water and bring the fruit and water to a bubble. Reduce heat and simmer 7 or 8 minutes. Remove fruit with a slotted spoon to a serving dish and add maple syrup or honey to the pan. Thicken syrup 5 minutes and pour over fruit. Serve with French toast, pancakes or waffles.

NEW ORLEANS PAIN PERDU

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300°; butter the baking sheet.
• In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, whiskey, sugar, vanilla, and salt together.
• Dunk the bread slices into the egg mixture and soak them for at least 10 minutes, turning if needed to coat evenly, until saturated but short of falling apart.
• Warm 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil together on a griddle or in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Briefly cook the French toast in batches until golden brown and lightly crisp, turning once.
• Put the first slices on the baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven.
• Continue cooking the remaining slices, adding more butter and oil as needed.
• When all the French toast is ready, dust with powdered sugar.
• Serve immediately with berries and maple syrup, if desired.