Challah French Toast

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs — Extra-large eggs can be used.
• 1½ cups half-and-half or milk — Use half-and-half for a richer flavor.
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest — Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large loaf challah or brioche bread
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• pure maple syrup — For serving.
• good raspberry preserves — Optional for serving.
• sifted confectioners' sugar — Optional for serving.

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

   ▶ 0:00
2. 2

   In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, orange zest, vanilla, honey, and salt.

   ▶ 0:02
3. 3

   Slice the challah into 3/4-inch thick slices.

   ▶ 0:19
4. 4

   Soak as many slices of bread in the egg mixture as possible for 5 minutes, turning once.

   ▶ 2:12
5. 5

   Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.

   ▶ 2:46
6. 6

   Add the soaked bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned.

   ▶ 3:30
7. 7

   Place the cooked French toast on a sheet pan and keep warm in the oven.

   ▶ 4:04
8. 8

   Fry the remaining soaked bread slices, adding butter and oil as needed until all are cooked.

   ▶ 4:07
9. 9

   Serve hot with maple syrup, raspberry preserves, and/or confectioners' sugar.