If you have eggs and bread on hand you have endless possibilities for a sweet or savoury French toast.  A basic white loaf or an artisan loaf work equally well for this recipe. If you have an unsliced loaf you can cut your slices extra thick and use a knife to create a pocket to stuff delicious things into. Otherwise, an inexpensive sandwich loaf will do the trick.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

8 slices white sandwich loaf

100g sliced black forest ham

1 cup grated cheese (Havarti, swiss, cheddar)

2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

2 eggs

½ cup milk

1 green onion sliced

½ tsp dried tarragon (or chives)

¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper

1/8^th tsp salt

2 tbsp butter

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the crusts off the bread and lay 4 pieces on a work surface.
2. Spread ½ tbsp of Dijon mustard on each slice of bread. Add 25g of black forest ham to the centre of each slice and top with equal amounts of grated cheese.
3. Top with another slice of bread, and use your hand to press firmly, securing the filling inside. Use a fork (or fingers) to press and pinch around the perimeter of each bread package. Ideally, each side should be sealed.  However, a couple openings won’t affect the final dish.
4. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a shallow dish. Stir in the green onion, tarragon, salt and pepper.
5. Dredge two sandwiches in the egg mixture, until they are fully coated.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted add the two sandwiches. Cook for 3-4min and then gently flip and continue cooking for another 3-4min.  The French toast should be golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a serving plate. Repeat with last two sandwiches.

Variations

Peanut butter and banana

Nutella

Bacon and cheddar

Marmalade and brie

Tip: For sweet variations omit the green onion and herbs. Instead, add in 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tsp granulated sugar.

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