French Toast with Caramelized Strawberry Sauce & Whipped Cream

“Family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” ~George Santayana

Once upon a time our family took a very special trip to Paris. It was about five years ago that we celebrated Chelsea’s graduation in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Upon our arrival, we had to “waste” a little time before our apartment would be ready, so we walked the winding city streets toward the Eiffel Tower. There, we found a lovely little bench with a perfect view of the Tower and the Champs de Mars, the grand grassy area that stretches before it, completely crowded with locals and tourists alike. We sat in awe of our view. We took pictures of our view. We did not, however, take pictures with our view. We were that tired. So fuzzy-brained and jet-lagged we didn’t even think to pose before the city’s greatest monument. It didn’t even occur to us to do so. Extreme exhaustion will do funny things.

So we finally made it to our pied-à-terre, and wasted no time finding our beds. I couldn’t tell you what time it was, all I knew was that the five of us were in Paris-heaven and soon dreaming of red awnings, warm baguettes and Julia Childs. Or so I thought. Funnily enough, the kids and I woke at the same exact time, but Dom was sound asleep with no signs of stirring any time soon. So the four of us, now awake and feeling a bit peckish, crept into the living room where we noticed the TV and a copy of Ratatouille. Score! However, we figured we’d be eating leftover pretzels from the plane as we didn’t shop before heading to our place. Luckily, we did have a Nespresso machine and a variety of espresso flavors so I knew, at the very least, we’d have a little caffeine to tide us over. As the kids were getting settled in for our movie, I made my way to the kitchen with my sights set on nothing other than the strongest (tiniest) cup of brew I could get my hands on. But what came next was better than the best cup of espresso I had ever had.

I walked into the room and beheld pretty little French cupboards, fully stocked. Our compact kitchen was brimming with the likes of artisan cheeses, warm croissants, fizzy drinks and a chocolate mousse pudding, so creamy rich and magnificent (a confection that had no business being sold from a little corner grocery store), ready for our taking.

The big guy, our best guy – as tired as we all were – found the energy to shop while we were having dreamy visions of raspberry berets and croque monsieurs.

My hubby was shopping and providing for his little family in the way that he always does. To Dom, there was no question, to me, it was a loving act that will forever fill me with joy. To have the memory of his thoughtfulness tied to the memory of Ratatouille, chocolate mousse and a sunrise over Paris with my kids, is a tattoo painted on my heart, forever.

Which brings us to French Toast with Caramelized Strawberry Sauce & Whipped Cream. Truth is, I’m not exactly sure it’s a meal any one of us had, but it sure reminds me of something I’d want in Paris. So – I’ll make it this weekend and bring a little Paris to us.

You could just as easily have this sauce over crepes or pancakes or a bowl of ice cream, but French toast is a favorite in our house – so French toast it is.

Feel free to make your favorite French toast recipe…I went for the basics as the real star of this show is our strawberry sauce.

Sweet strawberries cooked down in a little melted butter and honey then topped with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream served over warm crispy sticks of golden French toast.

This dish says love to me.

Making it a perfect dish for breakfast or brunch for Valentine’s Day.

It’s a meal I’ll love to make for my big guy and our three Sweetas! Oui-Oui-kiss-kiss!

PS) That’s Nick on the left, Chels in the middle, and Lauren aka Luc on the right. In other words, I present to you, my heart.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Buon Appetito!

French Toast with Caramelized Strawberry Sauce & Whipped Cream

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• Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
• Category: Brunch

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Ingredients

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• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 1 lb. of fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp. vanilla
• 1 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 8 slices of bread
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pan, melt butter, honey and sugar over medium heat until completely melted.
2. Add the strawberries and cook until heated through and caramel-ly. The berries will break down into a sauce, with some still maintaining their shape.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.
4. For the whipped cream, in a medium sized bowl, whip together the heavy cream, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form. Set aside.
5. For the French toast, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla.
6. Cut each slice of bread into 3 pieces to make sticks.
7. Dip bread into the mixture and allow it to soak for 5-10 seconds on each side.
8. Over medium heat, melt butter in a large sauté pan.
9. Place 6 pieces of bread (at a time) in the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes per side.
10. Repeat with all the slices.
11. Serve immediately with a dab of butter, maple syrup, strawberry sauce, whipped cream and powdered sugar.

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Ciao!