Panettone French Toast

Panettone is an Italian fruit bread traditionally served for Christmas and New Year's. It is delicious when sliced and its presentation is perfect for a family breakfast or brunch on New Year's Day. Its flavor and texture also make it ideal for French toast and the taste is so unique when served hot. 

Panettone French Toast can be served a multitude of ways. You can serve it simply with butter, jam, marscapone cheese, however, my favorite way to eat it...is as a French toast breakfast. I cut super thick slices, dip them in a mixture of egg, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and orange zest, then cook them until golden brown and plump.

All they need is a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a dusting of confectioners' sugar. Add some mixed berries and fresh whipped cream. It is pure heaven! Once you try making this, you will always crave it because it is has such a rich flavor that is so comforting and is such a nice treat!

It has become my tradition and I truly enjoy making this Panettone french toast for my family on New Year's morning. It is also great as a dessert too! Here is the recipe for you to make for your family and friends:

Serves 6-8 people

Ingredients:

• 1 large panettone cut into 1 inch thick wedges
• 2 cups milk
• 8 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon 
• pinch salt
• the zest of 1 1/2 oranges (reserve some to sprinkle on top of the french toast)
• butter for the pan/skillet

Preheat oven to 150 degrees. Put a cookie sheet in the oven to place your finished french toast.

In a large shallow dish add milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, orange peel & a pinch of salt.  Whisk until well combined. Heat butter in a skillet on medium high heat, dip a piece of panettone in the custard, dunking lightly and saturating both sides until wet.

Place panettone on the skillet and cook each side until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place cooked french toast in the oven and repeat until all the slices are done. Top with butter, maple syrup and a few sprinkles of reserved orange peel.

Transfer the French toast to plates. Drizzle the cinnamon syrup over the French toast and place a dollop of whipped cream on top. Lightly dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh mixed berries. Serve with hot coffee or tea. Enjoy.

Have a wonderful New Year filled with peace, health and happiness!

Darien resident Janine Vairo is the founder of PartyStyle Box. She can be reached at partystylebox@gmail.com and at www.partystylebox.com.