French Toasts

Have you ever tried French toasts or pain perdu? This recipe started off with humble beginnings since it was prepared with stale bread from the previous day. However, it is currently in the menus of the best restaurants. If you usually make torrijas (Spanish-style French toast), this recipe will look familiar, even though instead of frying them with oil they are made with butter and are often accompanied by honey, cream and fruits.

History of the French toast or pain perdu

The story of pain perdu begins in the 13th century and it is related to the feast of the Epiphany, celebrated on the 6th of January. The Monday following the 6th of January, these French toasts were prepared and that Monday received the name lundi perdú, also known as the lost Monday since it was an official holiday.

There are dessert recipes that are prepared almost all over the world but with different names, and this is the case of the French toasts. In Germany they are called Armer Ritter, in Portugal they are known as Rebanadas, in Turkey Kazirtma Ezemek, and in Spain they are torrijas. The recipe is basically the same but with some variations. In Spain they are made with oil and some cinnamon or wine can be added; in Canada maple syrup is used, and in other places honey, chocolate or fruits are added as well.

How to make the recipe French Toasts

1. Firstly, beat the eggs and mix them with sugar, nutmeg and milk. Apply the bread on the mixture of eggs, sugar and milk and let it settle for a minute
2. In the meantime, add butter in a frying pan at medium heat and let the butter melt. Once the butter is melted, reduce the temperature. Drain the toasts and brown each side in the pan for approximately two or three minutes, until they are of your liking.
3. Have the kitchen roll ready and let the French toasts settle.
4. If instead of using the frying pan you would rather use the oven, we let you know how to do it. Add butter to the baking sheet and bake them at 356° Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, turn the toasts and soak them in the butter at the bottom of the baking sheet and keep baking them at 356° Fahrenheit for 4 or 5 more minutes.

Notes and Tips

Have you enjoyed our French toasts? If you wish you can see other easy recipes of desserts like the homemade yogurt sponge cake. Don’t forget to download our app! you will have the best homemade recipes available daily.