Creme Brulee French Toast

French toast lends itself to the juxtaposition of textures found in creme brulee. The basic recipe is lifted to gourmet when highlighted with the richness of flavors found in the traditional french custard dessert.

Sweet Cream
2 tablespoons light or heavy cream
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 teaspoon honey (substitute maple syrup if desired)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon quality brandy (optional, but recommended)
Heat all ingredients over low heat in a saucepan.

French Toast
4 slices rich bread, such as brioche
2 medium-to-large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
pinch salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Heat a nonstick pan on medium-high. Grease pan with butter, spreading with a pastry brush or paper towel. Mix all ingredients except bread and sugar together until well blended. Dip both sides of the bread in the egg mixture, allowing more of the mixture to stay than normal (this will help you achieve a soft, custard-like inside). Place bread slices in the pan, and fry until crisp on the first side (approx. 1 min.) Before flipping, sprinkle the uncooked side with the sugar, then flip and proceed to cook this side for approx. 45 sec. to 1 min.

Serve immediately, drizzling the sweet cream topping over toast.
(2 servings)