In my last blog post (Yes, but Let's Think about the Consequences), I wrote about the importance of helping your students or child think through the natural consequences of their choices, in order to plan ahead. This recipe lends itself well to practicing this skill with your students or child!
Makes 8 slices
Time: about 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
8 slices hearty white sandwich bread
(optional)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Oven method: I like this with children because there is not as much time flipping the french toast or as much time at the stove watching it. It’s harder for kiddos to participate in those activities, but making french toast in the oven can be helpful because there is more down time while you wait for the french toast to finish cooking. Downtime when cooking means everyone can practice in cleaning up during the cooking process which your child is more able to participate in.
Instructions:
Put one oven rack is at its lowest position, and another is at the second highest (5-6 inches from the broiler element).
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Cover an 18 by 13 inch rimmed baking sheet with foil. Make sure that the foil is able to go up the sides and cover them as well. Then spray the bottom and sides of the foiled rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. The foil isn’t absolutely necessary, but it is helpful for clean-up. This is a moment to potentially talk about how thinking ahead about the results of actions can be helpful for a person in their future.
Whisk eggs, milk together in a mixing bowl by moving the whisk side to side quickly until it is a uniform color. Choosing a bowl that looks like it might be a bit too big might make it easier for a child to do this step without making a mess.
Add vanilla, cinnamon, and melted butter if using. Whisk again.
Pour egg mixture into the prepared baking sheet.
Arrange bread in a single layer in egg mixture. Try not to let them touch. Once they have been laid out one at a time, it will already be time to flip over with your fingers in the same order you put them out. Let them sit until the egg mixture is soaked up (about a minute).
Put in the oven on the bottom rack. Bake until their bottoms are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
Transfer the baking sheet to the upper rack and turn on the broiler. Broil until the top of slices are golden brown. This will only take between 1 and 4 minutes, and they can burn quickly, so it will be important to check them several times.
After taking them out, carefully use a thin metal spatula to move them to their plates. Top with fruit, cheese, or sauteed veggies if you’re looking for a healthier option than syrup or sugar.