My first trip home after moving to Los Angeles in 2017, was overwhelmingly busy. Before I knew it a week in the city had passed, I was heading back to Los Angeles the next morning and hadn’t made time to see my godmother, Win. Win is a family friend to everyone in my family. She met my maternal grandmother, Freda in the 70’s and they still remain friends today. When my parents moved to New York, Win became a friend to them as well. She advised them through entrepreneurial endeavors as my father started his cleaning business and encouraged my mother to seek out scholarly opportunities to advance her career ambitions. Upon my arrival, she was asked to be my godmother and that is how she knows me :)

Win & I enjoying lunch in Central Park, July 2021

It was the night before I was leaving New York and Win and I had been going back and forth throughout the week via email to figure out when we could meet up. I had suggested that we meet before my mid-afternoon flight since we are both morning people-her more than me- and she liked the idea. Win invited me to her home for a coffee and a French Toast Breakfast and here is how the tradition began.

For this recipe I like to use a French Baguette mainly because I like how the crust is so thick but the inside is so chewy! I find that this helps keep the structure of the bread and prevents it from getting soggy. You will also need 4 eggs, some butter, ground cinnamon, regular sugar and confectioners sugar, nutmeg, vanilla extract, some maple syrup and blueberries if you're fancy!

Slice the baguette into 8 equal pieces. Depending on the size of the baguette you purchased you can cut it into bigger or smaller pieces.

The key to any great meal is its marinade. In this case, it is all about the batter. It is very likely you have all these ingredients in your kitchen already, so break your eggs into a medium sized and combine them with the cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and vanilla extract & start mixing them together. Dip and soak the bread on each side for a few minutes.

I used to cook at Win’s house for years. She could tell you many, many stories about it. They are so lovely to hear now that I am older and exploring a deeper passion for cooking. These stories show that I have always loved being in the kitchen and enjoyed learning about new foods and recipes. Win and I have continued this tradition of breakfast before the flights still today. It’s really cute how these breakfasts happen. From the minute the door opens there are lots of hugs and kisses. Talking from the moment I walk through the door till the moment I leave. Telling stories, catching up on life updates and ultimately being in the kitchen together. I help Win set up the table. This table is filled with plates & cups that tell stories, table cloths from all the world and view of Central Park in the background. This table has so many memories. In between conversation Win would ask, “Cranberry or Orange Juice,” or “blueberries, raspberries, both or none.” Options. I love options.

Win is a big believer in eating while things are hot and fresh and I can’t argue with that. Because most pans aren’t that big and we do not want to over crowd the food while it’s cooking, we cook in batches. Over a medium heated skillet, add butter. Once the butter has melted and begun to foam add 3-4 pieces of bread. Cook until golden brown.

Once your French Toast is cooked, transfer the toast onto your plate and add your optional garnish. Win and I love to add blueberries and maple syrup to ours. And if you are extra fancy like me, sprinkle some confectioners sugar on it. It will look Insta perfect and taste even better. Enjoy & if you use this recipe please tag me, or message me and let me know your thoughts. Here, we eat together.

French Toast

Serving Size: 1-2 people

Vegetarian

Ingredients:

1 French baguette
4 eggs
4 tbsp of butter
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 ½ tbsp of sugar
1 teaspoon of group nutmeg
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
¼ cup of maple syrup, warmed
Blueberries, for garnish , optional
Confectioners sugar, for garnish, optional

Instructions:

Slice the baguette into 8 equal pieces and set aside.
Break your eggs into a medium size bowl and combine them with the cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and vanilla extract. Using a fork or whisk, beat the eggs briskly for 30-60 seconds.
Pour mixture into a shallow bowl. Dip bread in egg mixture.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Fry slices of bread until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side.
Serve with warmed syrup, sprinkled confectioners sugar and blueberries, optional. Enjoy

Win's Famous French Toast