How I loved this as a kid and still do as an adult, but this French toast is a little unusual and has a little twist.
It contains rum. Oh yes! Rum essence, not alcohol, hold your horses over there which my grandma used to put in always - love that aromas even now, luckily, hubby and kids love it too.
These were almost made entirely by Andrei as a practice attempt for his cooking classes - he had to make French toast the next day in school for his technology class.
He decided he wanted to practice first using mummy’s granny recipe. Not a bad result, right?
Mummy helped a little bit here and there mainly with observing and supervising. He did great! Very impressed indeed!
So, twisted because of the rum addition and twisted also because these were made by my 13-year-old son who despite managing very well for the first time he has twisted some steps here and there but I’m telling you it came out a real treat reinforcing the belief that there are no real rules when making a French toast.
In general, in our house, there are no real rules when it comes to cooking. It’s all freestyle and how the moment dictates.
We have far too many life rules otherwise therefore at least when we get into the kitchen we can enjoy and relax. That’s exactly my attitude toward cooking and I feel good about it hence my joy, pleasure and great time I’m having every time I’m entering the kitchen.
The kitchen is my heaven …
The kitchen is my place of reward, mental relaxation and creativity it’s my world. I have other passions too like drawing, painting, listening to music, reading psychology.
Unfortunately, I haven’t got the time for everything but will thrive to take some time for drawing which I have been saying I will for quite some time now.
I’m not particularly religious but I enjoy drawing Jesus and Mary’s faces. Not quite sure why that is. Those have an extraordinary calming and inner relaxation effect on me. I will show you some of these once I will get it started. Hopefully really soon!
I’m so lucky cooking is one of my passions as cooking is such a must in life. I’m lucky I like it as many people hate cooking or spending time in the kitchen altogether.
My mum is the best example, she’s a great cook but she does not enjoy being in the kitchen whatsoever. She would rather do gardening all day long which is her hobby and she really enjoys it. Gardening, is not for me though, funny!
Cooking is fun and then when the people you cook for happen to like what you’ve created, it all gets very rewarding.
Homemade food and home cooking is part of a good healthy lifestyle. It’s great when you can choose what you want to eat and you can create your own dishes, you know what’s going in.
French toast, we used to call it ‘frigănele’ when we were kids and when my grandmas used to make them we were over the moon, jumping up and down with real joy. She used to spoil us and always cook anything we used to like or ask.
In fact, both of my grandmothers were amazing women, soo good to us as well as phenomenal cooks. Lucky us!
Let’s just get this French toast twisted, turned and eaten fast!
Grandma’s twisted French toast or ‘frigănele’
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 220 ml whole milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp rum or vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 slices of brioche
- 1-2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
- 1 tsp icing sugar
- 1-2 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon optional
- Some fruits of your choice optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together with the milk, sugar, rum or vanilla, salt, and cinnamon if you choose to use.
- Slice the brioche loaf into 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick slices and deep into the egg mixture, until both sides are well coated. Do not allow it to soak as it will make the bread way too soggy.
- Place a large frying pan or a skillet over medium heat with approximately 1 tsp of butter and 1 tsp of rapeseed.
- Place the egg coated slices in skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Add a little more butter and a drizzle of oil while cooking if needed.
- Remove the cooked golden in colour slices and set aside until all finished.
- Sprinkle the finished slices with some more unrefined sugar ( I used some icing sugar this time) and top with some fruits if you like, or with slightly warmed up maple syrup or honey, whatever you fancy. Adjust the level of sweetness as you desire but definitely go for a generous sprinkle of sunflower seeds
Notes
Nutrition
Do you like eggs a lot? Here is also a recipe that you might like for a savoury option that's absolutely to die for.
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale says
This is such a beautiful recipe.The french toast looks scrumptious. Family recipes are the best. I love your cooking philosophy, "In general, in our house, there are no real rules when it comes to cooking. It’s all freestyle and how the moment dictates." That is how it goes in my kitchen as well.
Ramona says
Hi Katie,
Thank you so much. Absolutely! Spontaneous freestyle cooking is best. The recipes that come out from this sometimes are incredibly nice. The whole idea is to get creative, the rest is all a surprise ??
Beth says
Oh wow! If rum extract wouldn't elevate simple French toast, I don't know what would! Well done for a 13 year old to make these beauties! They are perfectly golden brown!
Ramona says
Thank you soo much Beth ?. I so agree with you on the rum bit. It’s soo good!
Oh, my son was way proud of his work and so was his mother ??
Amanda says
This french toast looks SO comforting! Definitely one of my favorite breakfast dishes.
Ramona says
Thank you so much Amanda Xx
Caroline says
This looks perfect for brunch, like the idea of the flavorings in the egg custard and the seeds are a nice touch too.
Ramona says
Thank you so much Caroline ?
Patty says
Wow Ramona, that brioche French toast looks scrumptious, I definitely like French toast better with brioche than bread. I'm very tempted to go for the naughty way with Nutella, lol!
Ramona says
Hi Patty and thanks a lot. Oh, definitely go naughty- worth every mouthful?, my kids will persuade and convert you in a second. Lol?
Gemma says
This sounds like a truly yummy recipe. It looks so awesome and appetising. I cannot believe your teen son almost made this. I can’t wait to make it myself over the holiday season. Thank you for sharing ?
Ramona says
Hello Gemma and thanks for stopping by!
Yes, my both kids are pretty good in the kitchen 😉 Let me know how this goes and how you liked it - it is a simple and delicious breakfast though 😉
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
What a beautiful breakfast! Brioche certainly makes the french toast even better and richer! I can't wait to try your recipe!
Ramona says
Thank you dear Ashley, it really does. Thank you so much. I cannot wait for you to try this recipe - I am sure it will be a hit.
Leslie says
Your son's future spouse is going to be VERY appreciative that you taught him to cook :). This recipe looks delightful! He did a great job! Also would love to see your Mary and Jesus pictures!
Ramona says
Ha ha -Thank you so much dear Leslie. I hope so. He is just a humpble young man (15 currently) - I relly hope he will be appreciated. Oh, I wish I could download some schetches here but I am not sure I can. Truthfully I have not had a change to draw for quite some time now. I so miss that.