The Secret to Making Cinnamon Eggy Bread with Quick Stewed Apples
Eggy bread is a classic French dish that has been around for centuries. It's a simple yet delicious breakfast option that consists of a slice of bread coated in eggs and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden brown. However, the traditional recipe often results in soggy bread, which defeats the purpose of making it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To achieve this perfect balance, some French cooks add an extra ingredient - apples.
In France, they call eggy bread "pan perdue," or "lost loaf." The idea is to use a combination of breadcrumbs and grated apple to create a crust that's both crunchy and flavorful. But what really sets this dish apart is the way the apples are prepared. Instead of chopping them up and adding them to the egg mixture, they're cooked separately in a pan with a touch of sugar until they're tender but still retain their shape.
To make the apples, simply peel, core, and chop them into chunks. Then, cook them in a pan with a couple of tablespoons of sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they're caramelized and tender. This process usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your apple pieces.
Once the apples are ready, set them aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk together three eggs, four tablespoons of milk, and a couple of tablespoons of sugar in a separate bowl. The egg mixture should be thick and rich, with just a hint of sweetness. Add a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon to give the bread its signature flavor.
Now it's time to cook the bread. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, sprinkle a couple of slices of bread into the pan. The goal is to get a nice golden-brown crust on both sides, so don't overcrowd the pan.
Once the bread has browned, flip it over and cook for another 90 seconds to 1 minute, until the other side is also golden brown. Repeat with any remaining bread slices. To prevent the butter from burning, use a spatula to carefully remove the bread from the pan once it's cooked on both sides.
To assemble the dish, slice the cooled apples into wedges and serve them alongside the warm eggy bread. The key is to glaze the apples in the caramelized juice they were cooked in, which adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish. For an added touch of sweetness, sprinkle a pinch of iced sugar over the top of each apple wedge.
But that's not all - there are even more ways to elevate this classic breakfast recipe. To give it a boost of protein and creaminess, try adding sliced avocado to each bread slice before serving. The avocado will melt into the warm bread, creating a rich and indulgent texture that's hard to resist.
To take this dish to the next level, add some crunchy elements to the mix. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds or toasted chopped nuts will provide a satisfying contrast in texture to the soft bread and creamy avocado. And for an extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes over the top - the heat will wake up your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Finally, no breakfast is complete without some crispy toast on the side. Sourdough bread is an excellent choice, as its tangy flavor and chewy texture pair perfectly with the richness of the avocado and eggy bread. Simply slice a few thick slices of sourdough and grill them in a hot pan until they're golden brown and crispy.
The combination of flavors and textures in this breakfast recipe is truly exceptional. The sweetness of the apples, the savory flavor of the eggs and bread, and the creaminess of the avocado all come together to create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. And with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make it at home too.
Black Sesame and Avocado Sourdough Toast
For those looking for an even more adventurous take on breakfast, try adding black sesame seeds and avocado to your sourdough toast. This recipe is a game-changer, with its rich, nutty flavor and silky creaminess.
To start, slice three thick slices of sourdough bread and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a pinch of black sesame seeds over the top of each slice, followed by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
Next, slice an avocado in half and remove the pit. Slice the avocado into quarters and set aside. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, place one of the bread slices in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, until it's lightly toasted.
To assemble the dish, place a slice of warm sourdough toast on a plate, followed by a quarter of avocado, some black sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to add some excitement to their breakfast routine. The combination of flavors and textures is truly exceptional, and the black sesame seeds add a unique nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado. And with just a few simple ingredients, you can make it at home too.