# Timeless Skillet French Toast: An Unfailing Recipe
French toast is a cherished breakfast favorite that brings forth memories of warmth and nostalgia. Among the countless variations, timeless skillet French toast is notable for its ease and scrumptiousness. This guide will provide you with an infallible recipe for crafting challah French toast, accompanied by delightful toppings that transform this dish from simple to sublime.
## The Allure of Challah
Challah, a classic Jewish bread, is celebrated for its rich, mildly sweet taste and light texture. Its distinctive characteristics make it a perfect candidate for French toast, as it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully while retaining a creamy center and crispy edges upon cooking. This recipe is created to be uncomplicated, ensuring that even beginner cooks can produce flawless results.
## Ingredients You Will Require
### For the Berry Sauce
– 2 cups (10 ounces) assorted frozen berries
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 3 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons water, divided
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
### For the 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
### For the French Toast
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) milk (any variety)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
– 1 large (1-pound) loaf of challah bread, sliced into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces
– Butter for the skillet (salted or unsalted)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
## Step-by-Step Directions
### 1. Create the Berry Sauce
1. In a small saucepan, combine the frozen berries, sugar, salt, and 3 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the berries are thawed and syrupy (about 8-10 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch with the remaining 2 teaspoons of water. Incorporate this mixture into the berry sauce and simmer for an additional minute until slightly thickened.
4. Off the heat, add lemon juice to taste and set aside.
### 2. Prepare the Whipped Cottage Cheese
1. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Blend until silky and fluffy.
2. Adjust sweetness to your liking and set aside.
### 3. Make the French Toast
1. In a broad bowl or baking dish, whisk the eggs and vanilla together until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat for about two minutes. A drop of water should skitter across the surface when the pan is ready.
3. Add a tablespoon of butter and swirl to coat the skillet.
4. Submerge the challah slices in the egg-milk mixture, allowing them to soak briefly before flipping to coat both sides.
5. Place the soaked slices in the skillet and cook until browned on the first side (2-3 minutes). If browning too slowly, increase the heat to medium. Flip and cook until browned on the opposite side.
6. Move the cooked slices to a serving plate and continue with the remaining bread, adding more butter as necessary.
### 4. Serve
1. Sprinkle the prepared French toast with powdered sugar.
2. Arrange two slices on a plate, add a dollop of whipped cottage cheese, and crown with berry sauce.
3. Serve immediately and savor!
## Suggestions for Success
– **Selecting Bread**: If challah is unavailable, brioche is a fantastic alternative.
– **Soaking Duration**: Fresh challah requires just a brief dip, while older or sturdier bread may benefit from a longer soak in the egg-milk mixture.
– **Storage**: The berry sauce and whipped cottage cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Leftover French toast can be kept warm in a 200°F oven or stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
## Conclusion
This timeless skillet French toast recipe is not only straightforward to execute but also offers room for personalization and innovation. With the addition of a luscious berry sauce and fluffy whipped cottage cheese, you can create a breakfast that rivals any brunch establishment. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in a delightful morning meal that is sure to impress!