French toast, loved and made worldwide for its delicious ease and adaptability, entails two or three slices of bread dipped into a sweetened egg, then fried to golden perfection. It turns stale bread into a crispy, custardy treat, given a twist with various add-ons. It is believed that this dish dates back to ancient Rome, being a means of using stale bread. French toast is now commonly made with many breads ranging from white to brioche to rustic sourdough or whole grain, depending on the desired texture and taste. Day-old or slightly stale bread is better since it will soak up the egg mixture whilst remaining more or less unsoaked altogether. French toast is generally prepared with eggs, milk, sugar, and flavouring-popularly cinnamon and vanilla extract-whisked together. After soaking both sides of the bread in this mixture, it is fried in butter or ghee until the two sides become golden brown. The result can be a perfect contrast of a crisp exterior with a soft and tender inside. French toast can take a wide range of toppings, which works with many palates. Classic garnishes include a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting with powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. Some versions even go savoury with bacon and cheese or super decadent with whipped cream or chocolate. French toast, whether casually enjoyed for breakfast or luxurious enough for brunch, is a classic and versatile favourite with equal amounts of sophistication and simplicity, rarely straying from the pairing of essential ingredients.

• 2 large eggs
• 4-6 slices bread
• 100 ml milk
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tbsp ghee
• Honey

• Crack two large eggs in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
• Beat the eggs until all yolk and white are incorporated. Milk addition to the egg batter will ensure that the batter is mixed evenly. Pour 100 ml of milk into the bowl. Using whole milk makes the French toast recipe richer in creamy flavour. However, this French toast has a good taste, though any type of milk is okay; what you choose depends on your dietary needs and preferences.
• Whisk 2 Tbsp granulated sugar into the egg and milk mixture. It will make the French toast slightly sweeter. The sugar can be varied according to personal taste.
• The sweetened mixture of eggs and milk creates that caramelised, golden crust on top of the French toast. The usual spice for French toast is a half teaspoon of cinnamon. The warm, spiced flavour contrasts nicely with the sweet, buttery bread.
• A generous pinch of kosher or sea salt can also be used to counterbalance some of the sweetness of the other ingredients. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt with the egg and milk until combined. Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of ghee or butter. Ghee is used in many recipes to give them that traditional taste, but you can use either ghee or butter. Once the butter melts through entirely and the pan is evenly spread, it is ready for use. The pan must be heated uniformly without smoking since it may leave the French toast undercooked and burn.
• Use 1-day-old or slightly stale bread to ensure maximum absorption. By texture, it is somewhat more complicated; with this degree of hardness, it can absorb the egg mixture without becoming too runny. Yes, you could use fresh bread; however, in most cases, it will be found to be too soft.
• One slice of bread is soaked in the egg mixture, taking care to coat each side.
• Let the bread sit in the liquid for a few seconds to ensure it absorbs it, but not so long that it causes it to collapse. Ensure that you will take all the remaining slices in turn.
• Depending on your pan's size and dough thickness, you can cook several slices simultaneously. Slices must be separated to prevent them from sticking together while cooking.
• Add a little more ghee or butter, as needed, if the pan is drying up or the bread is sticking together in the batches.
• Give each slice a cosy home on a plate, loosely cover it with the foil and keep it warm as you cook the bread. Alternatively, transfer the cooked French toast to a low-heated oven (around 90 C or 200 F), which keeps the French toast from cooling off too soon and maintains its crispiness longer before the plate. Bring to the table this delightful preparation is warm.
• Perhaps drizzle honey or maple syrup over each slice if you want them a tad sweeter. Nothing beats a spoon of maple syrup, deep and brown, though honey has richer, floral notes.
• You could also sprinkle your toast with powdered sugar if you like. Top it off with some berries, whipped cream, or a colourful sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture and flair.
• French Toast is a great breakfast and brunch treat or a sweet surprise.
• Serve with a crisp outside, custard inside, and sugary topping. It is the kind of treat that's hearty and fulfilling. It goes down well with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or fresh juice to make a complete meal.