Mother's Day Special - French Toast Bake and Fruit Salad

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + powdered milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while powdered milk is a cost-effective substitute.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while adding creaminess.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

maple syrup

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup is lower on the glycemic index, while honey is often cheaper.

Butter the baking pan with 2 tablespoons of butter by hand.

Cut the French bread into slices about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.

Place the bread in the buttered pan, starting with the ends and cascading smaller pieces in between.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of half and half, and 1 cup of whole milk.

Add 1/2 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of salt to the egg mixture and mix well.

Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring it is evenly distributed and some is saved for later.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, prepare the honey lime dressing with 1/2 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of lime zest.

Cut the fruit: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, honeydew, green grapes, and pineapple.

Mix the fruit with the honey lime dressing and let it chill in the refrigerator.

Crush walnuts and mix with soft butter, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a topping.

Chill the topping mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread the chilled topping mixture over the French toast bake.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

Let the French toast bake cool for up to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens