Sourdough French Toast With the Tang Still There

Ingredients

• 8 slices day-old sourdough bread (480 g)
• 4 large eggs (200 g)
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk (300 g)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (60 g)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (20 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (3 g)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (42 g)
• 1 1/2 cups raspberries for serving (185 g)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup for serving (40 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a wide shallow dish until uniform. Cut the sourdough into eight slices about 3/4 inch thick. Choose slices with an open but sturdy crumb and keep them beside the custard. Warm a cast-iron skillet over medium-low before the first slices are soaked.
2. Assemble. Lay two sourdough slices in the custard for 30 seconds, turn and soak the second side for 30 seconds. Lift with a thin spatula and let the excess drip away. The open crumb should look evenly damp while the crust remains firm enough to hold the slice straight. Work only one skillet batch ahead.
3. Cook or chill. Melt one third of the butter in the skillet. Cook two or three slices without touching for about 3 minutes, until irregular amber patches develop beneath them. Turn and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. The crust ridges should feel crisp and the center should spring back softly. Repeat, refreshing the butter between batches.
4. Finish. Move each cooked slice to a wire rack rather than stacking it. Serve two slices per person with tart berries and a measured drizzle of maple syrup, which complements rather than buries the sourdough tang. If holding the early batches, place the rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven only until the last pieces leave the skillet.

Notes

• Use the large cast-iron skillet and preserve the weights. Center cue: French toast in the skillet with irregular amber patches, crisp crust ridges and a center that springs back.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat one portion for 60 seconds, check the center and add brief bursts if needed.

Nutrition Facts