French toast with cinnamon-roasted apple

Is there anything better than some French toast to start the day off right? Homemade French toast is one of those classics that never go out of style, and the best part is you can customize it with whatever you like most. Today I bring you a version with roasted apple and cinnamon, perfect for those days when you want to treat yourself without making things complicated... And you'll see how the whole house will smell like home! (I don't know about you, but the smell of toast and cinnamon takes me back to my childhood and my mom's house).

French toast, also known as "French toast", is a simple recipe that consists of slices of bread soaked in an egg-and-milk mixture, fried in a pan until they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The great thing about these toasts is that you can pair them with almost anything: fresh fruit, maple syrup, chocolate… whatever you feel like! But today I decided to give them an autumnal twist, taking advantage of the sweet, spiced flavor of roasted apples with cinnamon. I promise it won't take you long and you'll love the result.

Put on your apron and pick your apples and bread because... we're going with lots of love for this recipe I adore! I hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients:

For the French toast:

• 4 slices of brioche bread (or baguette, French or your preferred bread)
• 2 eggs
• 200 ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Butter

For the roasted apples:

• 2 apples (of your preference, unpeeled for more texture, or peeled if you want them to break down)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 generous tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter
• Star anise (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar and a pinch of salt until well beaten and combined.
2. Soak the slices of bread in the egg mixture on both sides, making sure they are well soaked.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat (with the Affinity stainless steel frying pan you won't go wrong), and add a little butter. Cook the slices of bread for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
4. While the toasts are cooking, cut the apples into small cubes. In a saucepan (you can use a copper one for these preparations or a stainless one), melt the butter and add the apple cubes, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are golden and tender, but not completely falling apart, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve the French toast on a plate and distribute the roasted apples on top.
6. You can garnish with a little cinnamon or a drizzle of honey, if you like.

Notes

• If instead of chunks of apple you prefer a smooth texture, you can cook the apples longer and mash them, make a compote or use very tender apples (if that's how you like them, I recommend peeling the apples so they break down more easily).
• You can add nuts, raisins or a touch of whipped cream. Since it's a day to indulge... go for it!
• Personally, I like to use red apples when I want them to stay firm and provide a more tart contrast, and Golden yellow apples when I want them to break down or make compote, but it's totally up to your preference which variety to use.

The quick version of the recipe!

On your everyday routine, you can also prepare an express and delicious version of these toasts by simply making "regular" toasts (not French) and serving them with the cinnamon-touched apple. For that, toast your favorite bread and, meanwhile, sauté the apple cut into cubes in the saucepan with a tablespoon of butter (water-based, if you want to sweat them a bit). Add the cinnamon and a little brown sugar and cook everything a few minutes. Remove from the pan and serve over the bread. You have a super tasty toast in minutes!

I hope you enjoy these toasts with roasted apples!