I keep telling people that it sure sucks to live here but when you have a super cook like Don, I just can’t help myself. Here is the fantasy meal we had yesterday.
- 4 slices of Brioche bread (day old) and must be Brioche to work.
- 8 oz. whipped cream cheese
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. milk
- 2 tbsp. sugar, more if you want sweeter
- 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tbsp. butter for the pan (or more if needed)
- icing sugar, maple syrup or fresh fruit
To begin, create a cavity for the filling in each piece of bread by laying one slice of bread on a board, using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit into the bottom of the bread but do not cut through all the way. You just want to create a pocket.
In a medium bowl whisk together the cream cheese, 1 tbsp. milk, 1 tbsp. sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla. Be sure to taste and if you want it a bit sweeter, simply add more sugar.
Transfer this mixture in a zip-lock bag and snip off a corner to make a piping bag. Inset the tip of the bag in the pocket and fill each slice with the mixture that same way you would fill a donut. Use an offset knife to evenly distribute the mixture and clean off the edges. Be sure to watch carefully so there is enough for all 4 slices.
Break the eggs in a wide but shallow bowl and beat them with a whisk. Now add the remaining milk, sugar, extract and salt.
Coat a non-stick pan with butter and place over a medium low heat until the butter begins to sizzle and foam up.
Place the bread slices, one at a time into the bowl and let the bread soak up the egg mixture for a few seconds and turn them over to soak the other side. Now place into the waiting non-stick pan. Work only in batches that will fit your pan.
Transfer the finished slices to a plate, clean the pan, add more butter and continue cooking the remaining slices. Plate individually, add the toppings of your choice, pour a fresh coffee and ENJOY!
