French toast

French toast is a dish made of sliced bread soaked in eggs and milk, then fried. Originating in Europe, the dish is now a common breakfast item in North America, Europe, and many Commonwealth countries.

History

The recipe for French toast dates back to the Roman Empire. The Latin term for it was aliter dulcia ("another sweet dish"). The recipe was briefly mentioned in a collection of Roman recipes in the Apicius. The dish was widely popular in medieval Europe, especially in England, before fading in popularity in the 15th century with the advent of new methods of cooking.

Preparation

French toast is made by soaking slices of bread in an egg mixture, then frying them until golden brown. The egg mixture typically contains milk or cream and is often flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. The bread is soaked in the mixture, completely saturated and then fried in a hot pan or griddle. The cooked French toast is usually served with toppings such as maple syrup, butter, powdered sugar, or fruit.

Variations

There are many variations of French toast around the world. In the UK, the dish is often referred to as "eggy bread" and is served as a savory dish rather than a sweet one. In France, the dish is called "pain perdu," meaning "lost bread," because it is a way to reclaim stale or "lost" bread. In Hong Kong, a version of French toast filled with peanut butter or kaya jam, coated with egg batter, and deep-fried is a staple of Hong Kong-style tea culture.

Nutritional Information

French toast can be high in protein due to the eggs and milk used in the recipe. However, it can also be high in sugar, especially when sweet toppings are added. Whole grain bread can be used to increase the fiber content, and low-fat milk can be used to reduce the fat content.

See Also

• List of breakfast foods
• List of bread dishes
• List of egg dishes