French Toast

I love French toast, when it's made properly at least.
Several years ago, in a previous life, I worked in an establishment that also employed a chatty chef. One day, whilst chatting during breakfast setup, he told me that proper French toast is made using brioche, not regular bread. WHAT?! Complete game changer. Brioche allows the middle to truly become custardy and amazing, which is actually mindblowing.

Every Christmas, we have outrageously delicious breakfasts and following this year's Christmas, I decided it was time to share the recipe so that everyone can enjoy French toast how god intended. 😉
This recipe serves 4 with two slices each. Toppings are your own to choose, but fresh fruit and maple syrup with a sprinkle of icing sugar is a winner for us!

INGREDIENTS:
1 loaf brioche, unsliced
5 large eggs (I use free range so they are more vibrant; factor that in during the recipe if you use cage eggs)
150-200ml thickened cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Icing sugar, to dust
Maple syrup and fresh fruit, to serve.

METHOD:
In a large bowl, crack eggs and lightly whisk, then add cream, vanilla and cinnamon, and whisk until combined. The amount of cream needed will vary depending on size of eggs, but the mix should resemble a pale custard.
Thinly slice the ends off the brioche, then slice approx 1.5cm thick slices. Preheat a crepe pan (or small frying pan) over med-low heat and lightly grease with butter. Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, allow to rest for 5-10 seconds before flipping and repeating. Place bread into pan and cook each side for approximately two minutes, or until golden. It will be super squishy, but that is due to the internal custard consistency.
Serve warm with desired toppings.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

It has been awhile.

2017 has been insane! I feel like I hit the ground running this year, and I see no end to this marathon I call life. Let's recap:
- started the year with glorious news. I was granted a $1,000 a year scholarship! It got better when I was then given the opportunity to accept a $5,000 a year scholarship instead! I would have been happy with $1,000, but $5,000 has been life changing. Studying without the burden of financial struggles is amazing and has opened so many doors.
- found my path at uni. Settled on primary education and have no regrets. Initially focused on special needs for personal interest, but ended the year looking at focusing on special ed!
- developed a strong interest in indigenous history. This has been enlightening in so many ways.
- befriended some parents who understand what it's like to raise a gifted child as a gifted adult. It's not easy by any stretch, and these ladies have allowed me to realise I'm not alone. Thank you.
- officially came out as bisexual. Most people have always known, but I did hide it from certain circles for fear of judgment. No more! Cherry on top was Australia legalising same sex marriage. I'm still commitmentphobic, but this makes me so happy for so many people.
- keeping my life together despite everything. HELL YES! Where's the champagne?!

2018 is going to be intense, no doubt, but I'm excited for it. Will finally get a chance to implement the things I've been learning at uni and determine if my possible career specialties are options for me. Three placements this year will be intense! Pray for me, if you're the praying type!

2017, you have been amazing, but I'm ready for the life changing year that will be 2018!!!

Happy New Year! May 2018 provide you with boundless opportunities, health and happiness.

- L. x