Home Kitchen Vanilla Cardamom French Toast

One thing Worth keeping about the weekends, besides the obvious, is that I get to make breakfast for everyone at the table.

Typically Sunday breakfasts consist of eggs and bacon or pancakes and bacon. On the menu this past Sunday morning was French toast and endless cups of coffee. I swear I’ll find any excuse to use bread or a griddle!

However my intentions were to simply making some basic ol’ french toast, until I opened my spice drawer to grab the vanilla and spied the cardamom. Could it work? Of course it did. And so I blogged about it.

This breakfast wins the award for dependable flavor and dependable aroma. So, prepare to fall in love the second you place the custard dipped bread onto the griddle and get wafts of the vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom laced egg batter.

For this Vanilla Cardamom French Toast Set out:

• eggs – Adds richness and will firm the custard while the French toast cooks.
• milk – Lends moisture to the French toast custard.
• bread – Brioche is my go-to bread to use in this method, but almost any will work.
• vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances all of the other flavors in this method.
• ground cardamom – Slightly citrusy with notes of mint and pepper.
• nutmeg – Warm, aromatic with subtle hints of clove.
• coconut or olive oil spray – Used for greasing the griddle or pan.
• salted butter – Slather over warm French toast when serving.
• real maple syrup – Drizzle desired amount over French toast when serving.
• sliced almonds – Optional for serving, but does add nutty flavor and some crunch.
• powdered sugar – Optional for a touch of sweetness when serving.

First crack 4 large eggs into a shallow dish.

Then measure and add in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

What is cardamom?

It is a potent citrusy spice, so if you are unsure if you are a cardamom fan, maybe try a quarter teaspoon.

Next, whisk until thoroughly combined..

Then pour in two cups of milk and whisk some more. It’s insanely aromatic and I seriously couldn’t help from taking in deep breaths of the egg mixture!

Then dip one side in the egg mixture and then quickly flip to the other side. Repeat with the remaining 17 slices of brioche. NOTE: You will have to keep whisking here and there in between bread dipping because the cardamom likes to settle to the bottom of the dish.

Now, See those black specks? That would be the cardamom and nutmeg!

Then place onto a lightly oiled, preheated 325-350° griddle, or medium to medium-high heat if using a pan. The temperature will depend on the griddle you are using.

Next, flip after 3 minutes or when the bottom is golden and then repeat.

Lastly, serve the vanilla cardamom French toast with butter, syrup and I prefer mine with toasted sliced almonds too.

Because helllooo?! extra crunch in the form of almonds is never a bad thing.

HOW LONG WILL FRENCH TOAST LAST IN THE FRIDGE:

Got leftover French toast? Save it and enjoy it later in the week! Store the French toast in an air-tight container or resealable bag/stasher bag (to avoid drying out or absorbing fridge odors) and refrigerate for up to 3 to 5 days.

CAN FRENCH TOAST BE FROZEN?

Certainly! Flash freeze the French toast first on a rimmed baking sheet for 30 minutes, portion serving amounts into resealable baggies (or stasher bags) and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Enjoy! And if you give this Vanilla Cardamom French Toast recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!