sprinklefingers:

weekday mornings. phew.
is it just me, or are weekday mornings always a delicate balance? i generally try to get up at least an hour & 1/2 earlier than anyone else in the house. the minute my feet hit the ground i’m working - making coffee, squeezing in a few loads of laundry, researching &…

When my kids were little I would always wake up nearly an hour before they did because I needed a peaceful cup of coffee and a shower without someone banging on the door and asking me when I was going to come out already or asking me to write “Hi” and their name on the steamy glass shower door (my grandchildren do that now and somehow I don’t seem to mind).

I recommend this early morning privacy to any parent of young children. That small segment of quiet, peaceful, private harmony is worth more than the extra sleep. IMHO.

Then the world starts. Breakfast for kids and the daily routine. It’s much easier on the weekends.

But as far as breakfast goes, French Toast doesn’t take long. Sprinklefingers’ recipe is delicious. The five spice powder is a delicate, sophisticated addition.

Otoh, if your kids are like many, and don’t eat anything that veers from plain, here’s an easy version. I think French Toast is a good way for children to eat an egg. Serve the French Toast with mango slices and grapes or some other fruit and you can easily cut down on the amount of maple syrup you use, if at all. This breakfast doesn’t have to be a sticky, sugary mess.

Plain Old French Toast

1 large egg

1/4 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel, optional

2 slices homestyle white or wholegrain bread, challah or brioche (1/2-inch thick)

2 teaspoons butter for frying, approximately

Beat the egg, milk and vanilla extract and optional orange peel in a shallow pan until ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Add the bread and let it soak, turning it over once or twice to be sure both sides are moistened. Let the bread soak up all the liquid. Heat about 2 teaspoons butter in a saute pan over medium heat. When the butter has melted and looks foamy, add the soaked bread and cook about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Makes 2 slices