nothing says the weekend quite like the smell of butter as it hits the griddle and becomes home for a slice of challah soaked in eggs and milk. french toast evokes childhood memories for many. it's hard to beat the classic--until you try it with coconut milk. it lends a subtle flavor and smooth custard once you break the delicate crust formed by the griddle. a pool of passion fruit syrup sends this french toast into the realm of decadence, but fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cane sugar will also do the trick.
coconut french toast with passion fruit syrup
(serves 4 - 6)
1 1/2 cups passion fruit juice
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 loaf challah bread, sliced 3/4 - 1 inch thick
1 cup canned, unsweetened coconut milk
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (or slightly more) unsalted butter for griddling
1/4 shredded coconut, toasted in a small skillet
prepare the passion fruit syrup: place the passion fruit juice in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to keep the juice at a steady simmer. reduce until the juice has concentrated down to 3/4 cup. swirl in the sugar and 1/4 cup of butter, one tablespoon at a time. set aside in a warm place.
prepare the french toast: whisk the eggs, coconut milk, and salt together in a shallow bowl.
heat a griddle or flat grill pan (or nonstick skillet in a pinch) over medium-high heat. add one tablespoon of butter for every two pieces of toast your griddle will accommodate.
dip a slice of bread in the egg-coconut milk mixture, and flip it over to coat the other side. lift the bread from the mixture, gently squeezing to draw the liquid into the center of the bread slice. place on griddle and cook (for approximately 90 seconds - 2 minutes per side), until golden brown. repeat with additional slices of bread. serve immediately with the passion fruit syrup and toasted coconut spooned over the top
notes
* i use ceres brand passion fruit juice. it can be found at most well-stocked supermarkets. the syrup is equally delicious made with mango or papaya juice. classic maple syrup is also a completely acceptable accompaniment
* if you want a really pronounced coconut flavor, try adding a tiny bit of pure coconut extract to the milk and eggs
* try pure coconut cream instead of coconut milk if you are feeling a little too skinny (or if you simply feel like life is meant to be enjoyed to the max)