simple sundays

I don't know what it is about Sundays...but it may be my favorite day to cook. I don't know if it's because of the traditional Sunday dinner in the Italian culture or pancakes and eggs in the morning, but I can wake up on a Sunday morning, brew a cup of coffee, and never leave the kitchen. Today may very well be another one of those days.

It all started last night really. I had half a baguette left over from some steak sandwhiches I made a couple of nights ago...and I was keeping them fresh for perhaps a picnic in central park this weekend or maybe some paninis for lunch. The weather and schedule being what it was this weekend...neither of those options seemed to be happening...so on my way out the door last night for dinner with my girlfriend's family I took the bread out of the ziploc bags and figured I'd let it go stale and make fresh bread crumbs today for some chicken parmesan or some other breaded dish. Then I was suddenly overcome with a ravenous sensation this morning and thought french toast would be an excellent way to start the day. It's simple, sweet, and I had already done the hardest part of my prep. As the title of this post indicates...simple is the key for me in the morning cooking process. Simple ingredients and methods that result in good flavorful food without leaving a trail of messy pots/pans in it's wake. This is how my morning started...

French Toast

1 cup whole milk

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons honey, warmed in microwave for 20 seconds

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 (1/2-inch) slices day-old or stale baguette

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, honey, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You may do this the night before. When ready to cook, pour custard mixture into a pie pan and set aside.

Dip bread into mixture, allow to soak for 1 minute on each side, and then remove to a cooling rack that is sitting in a sheet pan, and allow to sit for 1 to 2 minutes.

Over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a nonstick or cast iron skillet. Place 4 slices of bread at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and place on rack in oven for 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining 4 slices. Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream or fruit and a side of bacon.

As stated in a previous post, in my kitchen that side of bacon is turkey bacon...so I don't feel so bad about a 3rd or 4th slice. Of course feel free to compliment the french toast with bacon of your choice or perhaps a nice side of hash browns. It's all up to you...just remember...Sunday cooking should be as easy and relaxing as possible. Keep it simple, lazy, and low stress...and enjoy that last day of serenity before the work week rears it's ugly head again. That is, of course, unless it's a Sunday during the NFL season in which case order in, settle down on the couch, and watch as many hours of football as possible until your ass is numb.

Mangia e statti zitto...

cheers...

dunkin