Orange, Spice & Everything Nice Bagel French Toast

One of the first meals I made for Rob when we got married was french toast. I found a recipe on some website and it was amazing. I know that it called for many of the same spices called for in my pumpkin gingerbread and used orange zest and cream.

I was craving french toast over the weekend and wanted to try to recreate that version, nixing the cream so it was a little healthier. I didn’t have bread on hand, but I did have whole wheat bagels. It turned out great.

First, beat the batter of egg, milk, spices, orange zest and vanilla.

Next, let the bagel soak for 1-2 minutes on each side. I stabbed the bagel a few times with a fork to help the mixture absorb better.

Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat and place your bagels in. Cook until well browned, 3-4 minutes on each side.

Serve immediately and with just a little maple syrup. Devour.

To be honest, I didn’t measure the ingredients. So these are approximate. I don’t think you can screw this up though.

Orange, Spice & Everything Nice Bagel French Toast

• 1 whole wheat bagel (or any good quality bread – slightly stale – will do)
• 1 whole egg
• 2 T milk
• 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1/8 t nutmeg
• 1/8 t cloves
• 1/8 t allspice
• 1 t orange zest
• 1/4 t vanilla extract
• butter & pure maple syrup

1. Mix everything (except the bagel, of course) in a bowl until well combined.
2. Separate the two sides of your bagel, give each side a few stabs with a fork and place in batter. Let soak for 1-2 minutes on each side per bagel.
3. Meanwhile, preheat a skillet to medium-high heat and melt butter in the skillet. I used just under a tablespoon.
4. Place your soaked bagel halves in the pan and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes each side.
5. Serve with a little maple syrup and enjoy!

And tomorrow, I’ll give you the recipe for the coffee I had with this. It was a perfect pair!

If you had to pick one, would it be french toast, pancakes or waffles? I’m going to say french toast. But only if it’s as good as the french toast I had in San Fran.