Torrejas In Syrup Recipes

CUBAN TORREJAS WITH GUAVA-MAPLE SYRUP AND CREAM CHEESE WHIPPED CREAM

Steps:

• For the cream cheese whipped cream: Beat the cream cheese with the vanilla until smooth in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Add the whipping cream and whip to soft peaks. Set aside while you make the French toast.
• For the syrup: Combine the syrup and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, and remove from the heat. Let the syrup sit for 10 minutes to cool. Remove the cinnamon stick and return to the heat. Bring the syrup to a simmer again, and whisk in the guava. Serve warm.
• For the toast: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Whisk together the milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and eggs in a shallow bowl until smooth. Place the bread slices in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture on top. While the bread soaks, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saute pan or nonstick griddle over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Fry the bread in batches until golden brown on the bottom. Lower the heat slightly, flip the bread and cook until the bottoms are golden brown and the bread is cooked through as well. Keep warm in the oven while you make the remaining bread with the remaining butter and oil.
• To serve, smear some cream cheese whipped cream on each piece of warm bread. Top with some of the guava maple syrup and a mint sprig.

TORRIJAS: SPANISH STYLE FRENCH TOAST WITH CINNAMON AND HONEY

Steps:

• Bring the milk, ½ cup of sugar, lemon and orange peel, and spices (cardamom seeds and star anise) to a slow simmer.
• Cut the bread in thick slices.
• When the milk mixture has been simmering for about 15 minutes, turn off the heat and soak the slices of bread in this mixture. Be careful not to completely wet them to the point that they will break apart, but try to get them to absorb as much milk as possible.
• Let the slices of wet bread rest and cool (some liquid may be lost).
• Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and dip the bread slices in the egg mixture. In the meantime, heat up about ½ an inch of the olive oil in a deep, heavy pan on medium-high heat.
• Fry the slices two by two, flipping them halfway so that both sides are nice and crisp.
• Let the torrijas rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil. In another bowl mix the remaining sugar (1/2 cup) with the cinnamon.
• Cover the slices in the cinnamon sugar mixture and reserve.
• Finally, make the syrup. Take the remaining cinnamon and sugar from coating the torrijas and add it to a medium-sized pot. Add a bit more sugar to completely cover the bottom of the pot if necessary.
• Add 2 cups of warm water to the sugar and bring it to a boil.
• Add the honey (you can add more or less depending on preference).
• Allow the syrup to simmer for about 30 minutes until it reduces to a syrup-like consistency. It won't be a very thick syrup, but it shouldn't be too watery.
• Take the syrup off of the heat and after about 15 minutes spoon it over the French toast. The torrijas should be completely soaked in syrup. Allow them to completely cool before putting them into the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate the torrijas for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
• Enjoy within two or three days for best quality! (I doubt they'll last that long anyway!)

TORREJAS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and whole eggs. Add sugar; whisk to combine. Add evaporated milk, Grand Marnier, if using, vanilla, and cinnamon; whisk to combine. Divide mixture between 2 shallow baking dishes. Place bread in a single layer over mixture in dishes; let bread stand, turning several times, until soaked, about 15 minutes.
• In a large skillet, melt half of butter over medium heat. Place soaked bread slices from one baking dish in skillet; cook until golden brown on both sides, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Wash and dry baking dish; return torrejas to clean baking dish. Wipe out skillet, and repeat with remaining slices and dish.
• Pour 1 cup lime syrup over bread in each dish. Cover, and chill several hours or overnight, turning several times.
• To serve, remove peel and pith from limes. Using a sharp knife, cut out lime sections; discard membranes. Garnish with lime wedges and remaining 1/2 cup lime syrup.