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Downward Facing Dog and Pain Perdu

June 14, 2011 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh

Pain Perdu or French Toast by @SpicieFoodie | #dessert #breakfast #Frenchrecipe

Being gently woken up by the warm sunshine on my face followed by a little tail wagging is a great way to start the day. As soon as my scruffy Panchito hears or sees me waking from my slummer he is there ready with a tail wag and my morning hug. I sit up and reach for my glasses, then my little guy puts his paws on my lap and moves in closer for our hug. A gentle squeeze, a little kiss on his furry head and a good morning to my little man. Rain or shine, hot or cold, Panchito is there every morning offering a hug, smile, love and just being my ray of sunshine.

Pain Perdu or French Toast by @SpicieFoodie | #dessert #breakfast #Frenchfood

Our morning routine before heading out for our morning walk changes from time to time, but Panchito’s love is constant. Recently I finally pushed myself to get back to practicing Yoga. This time I have been waking up earlier than usual to move through my Asanas before I head out with Panchito and start my day. He patiently waits for me to finish, sitting closely and observing my downward dog, probably wondering why I’m imitating him or thinking I’m doing it wrong. As I roll up my Yoga mat and head to put myself together, my little shadow is there by my side. He sits in the bathroom quietly waiting and observing my every move. Next up is Daddy’s turn, a good morning and repeat of the love and attention offered to me now on to my husband.

The weather has been so beautiful, sunny and warm. We’ve been taking advantage of it and the three of us heading out for family walks. We are lucky not only because of the weather but because we can do things like this together and have a sweet loyal four legged companion to share it with. Even if our Panchito isn’t always the most well behaved dog once he heads outdoors, I wouldn’t trade him or the wonderful 12+ years he has given us. I’m a very lucky girl for having two of the most loving and caring companions in the world, I love my boys more than anything. Yes even more than chocolate but it’s a close call, just kidding.

Pain Perdu or French Toast by @SpicieFoodie | #dessert #breakfast #Frenchrecipe

You may be wondering what my scruffy terrier has to do with Pain Perdu. He loves it, more specifically he loves the bread it is made with. But lets backup a bit, Pain Perdu means “lost bread” in French and to many of us it is simply know as French toast. In France Pain Perdu is a dessert and not a breakfast dish like it is in many of our homes. It is served with a dusting of powdered sugar and jam or also fruit and butter. Pain Perdu is know all over the world and there are many variations in the toppings and ingredients used. Pain Perdu is always made with day-old or slightly stale bread. That is were the name starts making sense, “Because it is a way to reclaim stale or “lost” bread.” per Wikipedia. The bread my husband and I prefer to use for French toast is Brioche. Brioche is buttery, soft, moist, slightly sweet and just plain delicious. Brioche also makes a great snack, we often purchase bags of small Brioche rolls for the three of us to share. If you have a Brioche around Panchito beware, he will stop at nothing to get his share. This morning’s Pain Perduwas made with a loaf of yummy Brioche. (Panchito also went nuts for it, evidence below. )

Pain Perdu or French Toast by @SpicieFoodie | #dessert #breakfast #Frenchrecipe

But if you do not have Brioche you can use thick bread slices (pain de mie), challah or really any slightly stale bread you don’t want to waste. Breakfast or dessert it makes a great treat for the whole family. Bon Appetit!

Pain Perdu or French Toast by @SpicieFoodie | #dessert #breakfast #Frenchrecipe

Pain Perdu or French Toast Ingredients:
Makes 6 slices for 2 hungry humans and one curious Pup!

6 slices of day-old Brioche or thick bread slices (pain de mie), challah really any slightly stale bread
3 large eggs
1 tbsp whole milk
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
vanilla, optional
small pinch of salt
butter for pan

Some Suggested Toppings:
Maple syrup
powdered sugar
fresh fruit
fruit jam
butter

1. Heat a large pan or griddle. While the the pan/griddle is heating up in a large and shallow container lightly beat the eggs with the milk, cinnamon and salt. Melt enough butter to properly coat the pan/griddl. Make sure the heat is not to high so the butter and toast does not burn. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture and allow to soak for a couple of minutes, turning once. Gently place the soaked bread on the hot pan/griddle. Cook each slice for about 3 minutes or until golden. CAREFUL not to burn the toast. It will be firm yet soft. Repeat the process until all of the bread has been cooked.

2.Dust with powdered sugar, top with fruit and drizzle with maple syrup. Or serve as desired with any of the suggested toppings.

* TIP* If you do not have stale or day old bread ready, slice the bread being used and leave on the counter for about 30 minutes or longer until ready to use.
** If your puppy is having a taste make sure his/her share has no powdered sugar, maple syrup or any other sweetener.**

Recipe; Pain Perdu; French Toast; eggy toast; toast; sweet; breakfast; dessert; eggs; bread; Brioche; bread; pain de mie; loaf of bread; sugar; syrup; fresh fruit; merunky; apricots; receta; pan frances; Torrijas frances; Torrijas; Spicie Foodie; food; blog; food blog; easy; fast

Other scrumptious French Toast recipes :

-Simply Recipes, French Toast
– Nourished Kitchen, Sourdough French Toast with Maple and Cinnamon
– The Winter Guest, Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)
– Brooke Dowdy via Honest Cooking, Weekend Brunch: Spiked French Toast
– Coconut and Almond French Toast
– Tracey’s Culinary Adventures Chocolate Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast with Strawberry Topping

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Desserts-Sweets, Eggs

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Comments

  1. Paaka Shaale says

    June 14, 2011 at 10:56

    What a wonderful write up!!! You are lucky indeed to have such a loving dog. The pain perdu looks beautiful. Loved the first photograph :)

  2. Hester Casey - Alchemy says

    June 14, 2011 at 11:09

    I bet Panchito does a really excellent downward facing dog. In fact, his ancestors probably inspired that asana.

    One of my favourite asanas is 'Pain Perdu Salutation with a spoon' :) This looks like a superb example.

  3. Spicie Foodie says

    June 14, 2011 at 11:27

    @Paaka Shaale, Thank you!

    @Hester Casey, Yes he does :) Now that sounds like a great Asana, hehe! Thanks!

  4. Emily Malloy says

    June 14, 2011 at 13:39

    The photos are out of this world.

  5. spcookiequeen says

    June 14, 2011 at 16:48

    I really need some french toast for breakfast now. I should have eaten, prior to reading this. In case you haven't heard it, “Beware of those down-ward facing dogs”, you might find your self face to face with a dog that wants a smooch. Hope you have a great one.
    -Gina-

  6. Michelle Chin says

    June 14, 2011 at 20:33

    best eaten with ice cream. :D

  7. Charissa says

    June 14, 2011 at 20:37

    I loooove the way you photographed this whole shoot. It's magical how you caught the light. Seriuosly, your photography is inspiring!

  8. Spicie Foodie says

    June 14, 2011 at 20:43

    @Emily, Thanks!

    @Gina, Lol, you are too funny :)

    @Michelle, Oh yes, yes!

    @Charissa, Than you so much :)

  9. Erin says

    June 14, 2011 at 21:03

    WOW!! I mean, the food sounds wonderful, and the post is great – but your pictures are just amazing! I am trying to improve my photography, but you should teach a class or something!

  10. Spicie Foodie says

    June 14, 2011 at 21:45

    @Erin, Thank you :) Keep practicing and you'll achieve that look you want for your photography. I do have some tutorials up there under photography, if you're interested. Have a great day!

  11. Foodness Gracious says

    June 14, 2011 at 21:57

    Great writing and pictures to boot….Thanks for sharing!

  12. Elyse @The Cultural Dish says

    June 14, 2011 at 22:41

    mmm looks delicious! I can see why your dog loves it! :) I've also started yoga again and it feels so great waking up in the morning and starting my day with a little yoga and great breakfast!

  13. Sandra says

    June 14, 2011 at 22:46

    Ohh what a nice story and I have to tell you it relaxed me as soon as I finished..you have some kind of magic:))) Recipe is wonderful as well as your stunning pictures..I am glad that you are doing alright and soaking this nice summer weather!

  14. Foodiva says

    June 14, 2011 at 22:53

    Your Panchito is just the cutest little dog ever! You're a very lucky girl indeed to have had 12+ years of his love and brioche obsession…LOL. The pain perdue is something I could have for breakfast AND as a dessert, you already know I have no qualms about timing when it comes to satisfying my horrendous sweet tooth!

  15. Lizzy says

    June 14, 2011 at 23:42

    Scrumptious breakfast…and what sweet puppy photos!!!

  16. claudia lamascolo says

    June 15, 2011 at 00:27

    These photos are fabulous I wish I had some of this talent you are just amazing!

  17. Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says

    June 15, 2011 at 04:39

    First I am huge doggie fan and yours is super cute! Second, I just got home from work about an hour ago and just wish I had a plate of this pain perdu right now – looks delish!!

  18. Cooking Rookie says

    June 15, 2011 at 04:47

    Yum, delicious french toast! And a super cute upward facing dog :-)

  19. Magic of Spice says

    June 15, 2011 at 04:55

    Oh goodness this looks good, and I am with Panchito with the Brioche :) Just so you know…I like butter and a bit of powdered sugar, fruit on the side (you know in case you want to make me breakfast)…:)
    So glad you are enjoying sunny days, hugs

  20. Shirley says

    June 15, 2011 at 10:03

    The pics are so refreshing, has that classic morning look.

  21. Sonia says

    June 15, 2011 at 15:20

    Hi There, This is looking absolutely delightful. Loved the new combo of ingredients and the recipe is so nicely made and presented. Saving this recipe of urs and wud love to give ur version a try on the coming weekend. Have a great day….Sonia !!!

  22. Nikki @ The Tolerant Vegan says

    June 15, 2011 at 17:52

    Awww I love this post, it made me smile from ear to ear! Your little pooch is so precious. Having pets to share life with is such a blessing, one that I think that people without pets can't understand until they welcome one in their lives.

  23. muppy says

    June 15, 2011 at 23:01

    French toast is one of my favourite things. I love that it translates as lost bread! I sometimes make my hubby cook it for me :)
    Our poor fluffy companion has been neglected :( as the weather here has been so wet.

  24. Pachecopatty says

    June 16, 2011 at 00:47

    This is a very relaxing read, I think you've really captured a light happy mood in this post. It was a pleasure to read and your recipe and photos are beautiful, as always ;-)

  25. Frank says

    June 16, 2011 at 02:03

    Pain perdu (we call it 'French toast' over here) truly is one of life's simple pleasures. :)

  26. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    June 16, 2011 at 03:38

    What a nice way to start the day. That little brioche monster you've got there is pretty darn cute!

  27. FamilySpice says

    June 16, 2011 at 21:22

    We use hearty whole grain toast for our version, but deep down the brioche is calling my name!

  28. Sarah-Jane - SiliconeMoulds.com says

    June 17, 2011 at 10:02

    French toast is such a versatile dish – whether savoury or sweet and a fanastic storecupboard meal. I'll need to try making it with brioche !

    You dog looks a real sweetie.

  29. Spicie Foodie says

    June 17, 2011 at 10:24

    Thank you everyone for all your sweet comments. I'm always glad to hear you enjoy the same treats that we do :)

  30. Kulsum@JourneyKitchen says

    June 17, 2011 at 20:28

    I don't like dogs and yet yours looks so sweet to me and that's saying something :-) Lovely recipe. French toast is one of my favorite breakfast indulgence :-)

  31. Sandra says

    June 17, 2011 at 23:35

    Panchito is adorable. We had a rottweiler for 11 years and had to put him down because he'd gotten so ill. He liked crackers and popcorn and I'm sure he would've love brioche. Love the story and recipe.

Trackbacks

  1. Sunday Snapshots: Current Favorite Breakfast Foods and YBR Signup | Spicie Foodie Healthy Breakfast Foods says:
    March 24, 2013 at 11:26

    […] Banana Yogurt Smoothie, Untraditional Croque Madame or French Ham, Cheese and Egg Sandwich, Pain Perdu or French Toast, Apple Cinnamon Raisin […]

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