Thursday, January 22, 2009

Chocolate French Toast

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When our children were small, Saturday was a special day. It began with pancakes made by my tiny chefs who were happily learning applied mathematics. Pancakes were actually their second creation. The first was a unique cookie called a "Mush Me." The cookie was made with 1 cup flour, 1 stick soft butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. The kids - with immaculately clean hands, of course - mushed the cookies until everything was mixed. They dropped them - literally - on cookie sheets and baked them in a 350 degree oven till they were done. I can't be more specific about the time. Sometimes we had one huge cookie other times a hundred small ones. The pancakes were more sophisticated and involved learning the difference between full and partial measures. They also involved sifting and mixing with a spoon and sometimes, if we were really lucky, there was batter left for the griddle. It was a great time for us all. Today's French toast is a bit more sophisticated. It's a festive dish, perfect for a brunch or holiday breakfast. I'm not sure I'd let the kids do this one but it really is simple to make.


Chocolate French Toast


Ingredients:
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 (1-inch thick) slices challah or brioche
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Confectioners' sugar for garnish

Directions:
1) Combine granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; whisk until blended. Pour in half the milk and whisk until mixture is completely lump free. Whisk in remaining milk, eggs and vanilla.
2) Arrange the bread in a 9 x 13-inch pan and pour cocoa mixture over it. Turn the bread to coat both sides. Poke the slices with a fork at frequent intervals. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes or so.
3) Heat a griddle or nonstick pan over medium heat (I used an electric frying pan). Add butter and spread to cover pan. Carefully add bread to pan. Cook until underside is lightly crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch this step carefully as the bread can burn quickly. Flip until slices are slightly puffed, another 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Serve warm. Yield: 4 servings.

Adapted from a recipe by Abigail Johnson Dodge

I'm sending this recipe to Susan at Wild Yeast for her weekly Yeast Spotting event.

22 comments :

Anonymous said...

Oh this sounds yummy. I love a good sweet breakfast once in a while! Very nice.

Martha said...

My chocolate lovers would think that they've died and gone to heaven to have this for breakfast!

Susan said...

Can I come to your house on Saturday for breakfast? I'll bring the fresh berries! LOL Yum..........

Mila said...

awww these look super yummy! I think Challa makes the best French Toast!

Unknown said...

mary

thanks for dropping by and thanks for understanding.

gong xi fa cai

Maria said...

Chocolate french toast, did you really make that? OH YUM!! Talk about a morning treat!

Jenny said...

Love the looks of this Mary! My boys would love it, have a great weekend!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Maria - did and do for special breakfasts. It is sinful but really good.

Allie said...

Now that's the kind of breakfast I would like to wake up to!

Peter M said...

Mary, this would make a Sunday breakfast extra-special...kids would go nuts too!

Pam said...

I make my kids pancakes EVERY Saturday - it's tradition. I think it's time they help.

This French toast looks wonderful and I know everyone would love it.

Anonymous said...

Looks and sounds so great. Nothing wrong with chocolate, ever.

Barbara said...

Mary, chocolate with french toast, it couldn't get any better.

Anonymous said...

It sure does look yummy.. I've never had Choco French Toast.. oh my... YUM..

Anonymous said...

These sound remarkable! French toast made with brioche already sounds sweet, but chocolate too! Wow!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Jamie, thanks so much for coming to visit us. I hope you'll be back soon.

Anonymous said...

That a gorgeous breakfast:-)what a treat!

Donna-FFW said...

My Goodness! Does this ever lok mouthwatering>> My children and stepchildren (8) would sooo adore this. I must give it a try. They will thank you for it!

test it comm said...

That chocolate french toast looks good!

Mary Bergfeld said...

The toast is really, really good. I hope you all have a chance to try it.

Anonymous said...

Nice recipe. I'm pretty sure I've never had chocolate french toast before. Nice story about the "mush me" :)

DV said...

This is so awesome! My hubby loves French toast and he loves chocolate even more:) Your recipe is just perfect for Saturday morning breakfast and start-off a beautiful weekend! Merci beaucoup!

-Divya
http://www.tastyvegcooking.blogspot.com/

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