Imagine gazing down on a snow-covered tree with various decorations. Soft squares of golden toasted bread gracefully dusted with icing sugar, mimicking a fresh snowfall. Plump, jewel-hued berries, scattered artistically, are the baubles. Dollops of luscious mascarpone cream crown the dish, resembling fluffs of drifting snow.

New York Christmas French Toast Spectacular

Name: New York Christmas French Toast Spectacular
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Challah bread, 1 sliced into 1 inch thick slices; Maple syrup, 1 cup; Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons; Nutmeg, 1 teaspoon; Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons; Eggs, 4 beaten; Milk, 1 cup; Mascarpone cheese, 1 cup; Assorted berries, 2 cups; Icing sugar, as required for dusting; Salt, to taste; Butter, 2 tablespoons for frying

Category Brunch

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 15 minutes

Style American

Technique Pan Frying

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: December 25, 2023

There's nothing that screams 'Christmas in New York' more than a warm, hearty meal shared by family and friends. With that spirit, we're giving the classic French Toast an enchanting twist. Soft challah bread meets aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, sweetened with maple syrup and get dressed with a velvety mascarpone cream and a medley of vibrant, antioxidant-rich winter berries.

Ingredients (for 4)

Challah bread - 1 - sliced into 1 inch thick slices
Maple syrup - 1 cup
Cinnamon - 2 teaspoons
Nutmeg - 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons
Eggs - 4 - beaten
Milk - 1 cup
Mascarpone cheese - 1 cup
Assorted berries - 2 cups
Icing sugar - as required - for dusting
Salt - to taste
Butter - 2 tablespoons - for frying

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🍳⏲️

Preheat your griddle or large non-stick pan on medium heat.
Step 2 - 🥚🥛🍁

In a large bowl, mix together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt.
Step 3 - 🍞💦🔄

Dip each slice of 1 inch thick challah bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
Step 4 - 🧈🍳🔁

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the preheated pan. Add the soaked bread slices and cook until golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 5 - 🍽️🍓🫐

Arrange the cooked French toast on a serving plate. Top it generously with 1 cup of mascarpone, then scatter about 2 cups of fresh assorted berries over the top.
Step 6 - 🍯✨🍽️

Just before serving, dust a light layer of icing sugar over the entire layout, and if you'd like, drizzle some more maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Additional

This recipe is fun and easy to make, so get your little helpers involved. Don't worry about perfect placement of toppings — nature's whimsy is a part of its charm. Swap out challah for brioche or even a sturdy sourdough. For those fond of a crunch, sprinkle some chopped roasted almonds or walnuts. If you're really feeling festive, a splash of orange or almond liqueur in the egg mixture could make it a truly special adult treat.