### Traditional Skillet Challah French Toast with Berry Sauce and Whipped Cottage Cheese
Everyone requires a traditional, reliable recipe for skillet French toast, particularly one that makes use of leftover challah. This recipe is not only easy but also enhances the dish with delightful toppings that make it worthy of brunch without needing to head to a restaurant.
#### The Essence of Challah French Toast
Challah bread, celebrated for its light and rich texture, produces a French toast that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This recipe is crafted to be uncomplicated, demanding no overnight soaking or excessive butter, rendering it ideal for a swift morning indulgence.
#### Ingredients
**Berry Sauce:**
– 2 cups (10 ounces) assorted frozen berries
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons water, separated
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
**Whipped Cottage Cheese:**
– 2 cups (16 ounces or 455 grams) cottage cheese, whole or low-fat
– 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
**French Toast:**
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) milk, any kind
– 1 large (1-lb) loaf of challah bread, sliced into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pieces
– Butter for the skillet, salted or unsalted
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
#### Instructions
**1. Prepare the Berry Sauce:**
– In a small saucepan, mix the berries, sugar, salt, and 3 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for around 8 to 10 minutes until the berries are saucy.
– Combine cornstarch with the remaining 2 teaspoons of water and add to the berry mixture. Simmer for an additional minute until thickened. Off heat, squeeze in lemon juice to taste. Set aside.
**2. Prepare the Whipped Cottage Cheese:**
– In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend together cottage cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Process until smooth and fluffy. Adjust sweetness to your liking and set aside.
**3. Prepare the French Toast:**
– In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla together. Gradually incorporate the milk while whisking.
– Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat for approximately two minutes. Add a tablespoon of butter.
– Dip pieces of challah in the egg-milk mixture, soaking briefly, then place in the skillet. Cook until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes, then flip to brown the other side. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter as necessary.
**4. To Serve:**
– Dust the French toast with powdered sugar. Serve two slices on a plate, adorned with whipped cottage cheese and berry sauce. Enjoy right away.
#### Storage and Tips
– The berry sauce and whipped cottage cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
– French toast can be kept warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. Leftovers may be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
– For variations, brioche can be substituted for challah, and the sweetness of the egg-milk mixture can be modified to suit personal taste.
This traditional skillet challah French toast recipe is more than just a morning meal; it’s a charming way to kickstart your day, blending ease with gourmet style.