Midnight French Toast Food

THE BEST FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 300 degrees F.
• Cut the bread into 8 slices about 3/4-inch thick. Arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet (it's ok if they overlap). Bake, flipping them halfway through, until very lightly golden on both sides, about 12 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet until ready to use. Reduce the oven temperature to 200 degrees F.
• Vigorously whisk the eggs in a large bowl until blended and no streaks of whites remain. Add the half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg and whisk until completely incorporated. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish.
• Gently press 2 slices of the toasted bread into the custard. Turn to coat and then gently press down on the bread until you feel it start to soak up the custard-this is key for a luscious, moist texture. Let the bread soak for about 1 minute per side; it should feel heavy but still hold its shape and not fall apart.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2 of the soaked bread slices until they are a deep golden brown, the custard has set and the insides are cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side. The center of the bread will puff slightly while the crust will contract, making it look puckered. You may have to alternate between medium and medium-low heat if the bread browns too quickly or not fast enough. Transfer the slices to a rimmed baking sheet and hold in the warm oven. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread.
• Serve the French toast with butter, maple syrup and a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar.

MIDNIGHT TOAST

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until a little crispy along the edges but still soft, about 10 minutes. Remove to a cutting board and cut each slice in half.
• Meanwhile, throw the halved ciabatta roll into the toaster. Transfer to a plate cut-side up.
• Next, add the avocado to a bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roughly mash with a fork. Spread half of the mashed avocado on one half of the toasted ciabatta roll and the remaining mashed avocado on the other half of the roll. Season with more salt and pepper.
• Divide the bacon between the roll halves, then the peppers. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sriracha over each half and enjoy!

LIAM'S MIDNIGHT TOAST

Steps:

• Fill a large chilled wineglass with crushed ice. Add the following in exactly this order: Champagne, Cognac, Grand Marnier, Campari. Garnish with an orange wheel.

OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Place bread slices in a generously greased 9x13-inch baking dish, overlapping the slices.
• Place eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly with a rotary beater or whisk. Pour mixture over bread, making sure all slices are moistened. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.

FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Lay the brioche slices in a single layer in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture over them. Allow to soak for 2-3 mins, then carefully turn over and soak for 2 mins more.
• Heat 1 tbsp of the vegetable oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat until foaming. Carefully lift 2 slices of the soaked brioche out of the dish and add to the frying pan. Fry for 3 mins on each side, until golden and crisp, then place on a wire rack over a baking tray in a warm oven while you repeat with the remaining slices.
• Serve dusted in icing sugar and scattered with fresh berries, if you like.

OVERNIGHT BAKED FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• Butter a 10x14 inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of bread in the bottom. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over bread slices, cover, and refrigerate overnight, turning over after several hours.
• The next morning, remove dish from refrigerator and sprinkle with cinnamon to taste. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup; heat until bubbling. Pour over bread and egg mixture. Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Turn slices over and return dish to oven for an additional 15 minutes.