HEALTHY FRENCH TOAST with VANILLA LEMON STRAWBERRIES

Who says that all French toast has to be fatty and sugary with copious amounts of ice-cream, maple syrup and chocolate? Yes that first sentence may sound like a dream to you, but it is no friend to your waistline or your organs! French toast can be healthy, as my mother taught me growing up. She used to make French toast for me on occasion, whenever I requested it in the morning (such a spoilt little girl I know!). I believe she had learnt how to make this delicious breakfast food from my Babushka (Nanna), who used to own a little restaurant in Melbourne’s Chapel Street. Babushka’s and dedushka’s (grandfather) restaurant served beautiful Russian food and filling breakfasts; such as french toast and eggs. I have adjusted the recipe somewhat to omit the extra sugar that they used (sorry for all you sweet people out there!) Trust me when I say that this french toast still tastes incredible sans sugar, due to the vanilla essence, the lemon, the fresh strawberries and the spicy hit of cinnamon. 

INGREDIENTS

• 150g strawberries, cut into halves or quarters 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract /essence (organic and natural if available)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 free range eggs, beaten well 
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 pieces of multigrain, wholemeal or gluten-free bread 
• 1 teaspoon rice bran oil

COOKING 

1. Place the cut strawberries, vanilla essence and lemon juice in a small bowl. Toss well to combine and leave the flavours to soak whilst you prepare and cook the toast. 

2. Place the beaten eggs, milk and cinnamon into a medium bowl and whisk well to combine. Soak each slice of bread in the egg mixture. Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add the oil, swirling to coat the pan. When oil has heated add the 4 slices of bread and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until egg is cooked and the bread is golden in colour. Remove from heat and top with the marinated strawberries. Serve warm. 

Serves / 2 

Total Preparation time / 10 minutes maximum

Total Cooking time / 10 minutes maximum

x Emily