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When my children were young they often had friends sleep over at our house. I LOVED being the Kool-Aid mom. Even though it was a bit chaotic always having extras in the house, I was much happier having mine at home while allowing me the opportunity to know their friends.
Sometimes one friend turned into two, two turned into three, and so on. Since I have a son (Patrick) and a daughter (Allie), with my son 19 months older, there must have been some appeal for the girls to flirt with Patrick. Patrick was often the ring leader and had/has great entertainment value – ha ha. My job? I was the youth police making sure nobody got into trouble, that everybody was in the house (and stayed in the house) at curfew, and I was the official Saturday morning pancake maker.
Nobody wanted anything but Moma B’s pancakes. Now the only sleep-overs include my husband and we don’t have to worry about anybody other than the dogs, a cat, and I can make whatever I want for breakfast. Don’t get me wrong – I really miss those Saturday morning pancake breakfasts with my kids. Enjoy them while you can, they grow so fast.
I grew up eating my Mom’s French Toast but haven’t made it in over 20 years. I’ve often perused the delicious recipes posted out there on the blog-o-sphere and promised myself that one day I will make a luscious, extravagant-tasting breakfast just for us!
My Traveling Husband (Ed) picked up a new cookbook and the minute I saw this recipe I knew it would be made in my kitchen. This is an overnight version baked in the oven which makes it perfect for company. Infused with almond extract and almond liqueur this stuff is amazing! I used a loaf of brioche that’s darker bread to begin with so don’t let the brown appearance fool you. This French Toast has a perfect thin crust on the outside and is completely tender and flavorful on the inside. It was even terrific warmed and served as leftovers. If you’re looking for something special this weekend don’t hesitate to try this simple, delicious, hearty breakfast.
Almond French Toast
Prep Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 28 minutes
Yield: 6
Course: Breakfast
An overnight version baked in the oven which makes it perfect for company.
Ingredients
- 6 1 inch-thick French bread slices (I used brioche) (I used brioche)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons almond liqueur optional - yes please!
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sliced almonds toasted
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup warmed
Instructions
- Arrange the bread slices in a 13x9 inch baking dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, almond and vanilla extracts and the almond liqueur. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices. Let the bread soak for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the slices over. Cover the pan and chill overnight or at least 8 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Melt the butter in a jelly roll pan large enough to hold the bread slices. Add the soaked bread slices and bake for 15 minutes. Turn each slice and bake another 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup.
- Serves 6 or 3 really hungry people.
Recipe Notes
(adapted from a recipe in the Southern Living Comfort Food Cookbook)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Nutrition
Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg
Joanne
I definitely don't eat enough fun breakfasts like this (do I do miss the sleepovers I had when I was a kid when my mom would make pancakes!). This French toast looks glorious!
Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow
Funny how our menus change with the seasons of our lives. 😉 This looks like a perfect way to start a great weekend! blessings ~ tanna
Danutza
It looks so delicious! I want it every morning for my breakfast :)<br /><br />Have a nice day!
Angie's Recipes
A wonderful breakfast to start the day! I am drooling!
The Café Sucré Farine
Hi Tricia, I was reading through and enjoying your post, when to my great surprise I saw my name! How fun that you used my brioche for your wonderful French toast, now you've got me going on something new! Brioche is my middle name (I'm beginning to think) so this will be a delight to try! It sounds amazing! Thanks Tricia!
Regine Karpel
Looks great!<br />www.rsrue.blogspot.com<br />Come say hi!
Sue/the view from great island
I'm drooling, how can I not make this? It includes two, no three! of my favorite things: brioche, almond extract and almond liqueur. I do remember the days of using food as a tool to keep my kids around on weekends—you're so right, it goes by in a flash *tear*…
From the Kitchen
You can't go wrong with a Southern Living recipe. This looks delicious!<br /><br />Best,<br />Bonnie