Copycat Flying Biscuit Raspberry French Toast Food

COPYCAT - FLYING BISCUIT RASPBERRY FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Slice the French bread into about 2-inch thick slices and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, add egg, milk, vanilla flavoring, the cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice and orange zest.
• If using, add the rum.
• Whisk ingredients together.
• Dip each slice in the mixture for a few seconds on each side, then set them aside.
• In a skillet, add a tablespoon of butter and heat until it begins to foam.
• Add as many slices of your soaked bread to the pan as you can fit.
• Cook until golden brown on each side.
• Remove and place individual servings on plates.
• Drizzle each slice with the condensed milk and the raspberry preserves (give the preserves a few seconds in the microwave to make them more fluid).
• Top each slice with a sprinkling of pecans.
• Note: I like my French toast on the eggy side - makes for a bit of a crust when it cooks - but you can play with the egg-to-milk ratio to find what you like.

RASPBERRY-STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Cut the bread into 12 slices and put 6 plates in the oven to warm at 200°.
• Whisk the eggs until foamy; add the milk, cream, salt, vanilla and sugar and whisk to blend; pour into a sheet pan with sides (jelly roll pan); arrange the bread slices in the pan in a single layer and let soak.
• Meanwhile, using a sharp knife, slice the cream cheese into 12 thin slices.
• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat; add about 1 tablespoon of butter and heat until melted and foamy.
• Working in two batches, if necessary, arrange half the soaked bread slices in the skillet; cook until golden brown, 3-5 minutes; lay 2 slices of cream cheese on each slice of bread, then place 1/6 of the raspberries on top of the cheese; cover each with another slice of soaked bread and press firmly with a spatula.
• Turn the'sandwich' over and brown on the other side, about 3 minutes more.
• Transfer to warmed plates, sprinkle lightly with confectioners' sugar and serve.

BISCUITS FROM THE FLYING BISCUIT CAFE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Place flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Cut butter into 1/2 tablespoon-sized bits and add to the flour. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
• Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in all the heavy cream and the half and half. Stir the dry ingredients into the cream and mix with a wooden spoon until dough just begins to come together into a ball.
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 or 3 times to form a cohesive mass. Do not overwork the dough. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to a 1-inch thickness. The correct thickness is the key to obtaining a stately biscuit. Dip a 2-1/2 inch biscuit cutter in flour, then cut the dough. Repeat until all the dough has been cut. Scraps can be gathered together and rerolled once. Place the biscuits on the prepared sheet pan, leaving about 1/4 inch between them. Brush the tops of the biscuits with 1 tablespoon of half and half and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 20 minutes. Biscuits will be lightly browned on top and flaky in the center when done.

OVERNIGHT RASPBERRY FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Grease a 9x13" baking dish. Arrange the bread in two layers, with six slices of bread on each layer.
• In a large bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk. Whisk until blended (but not too bubbly).
• Pour the mixture over the french toast, making sure to cover them evenly, as well as in between the slices as well.
• Cover with foil and refrigerate for 8 hours (or overnight).
• When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Remove from refrigerator and sprinkle with raspberries.
• In a small bowl, combine butter, flour, and brown sugar until completely incorporated. Drop in teaspoonfuls over the french toast.
• Bake 35-40 minutes, until slightly puffy and golden.