PAIN PERDU

Pain Perdu

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup milk

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 to 4 tablespoons butter

8 to 12 slices (each ½-inch-thick) day-old French bread or regular sliced bread

Confectioners’ sugar

Louisiana cane syrup

Combine the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, ginger, and cinnamon in a medium-size mixing bowl, and mix well.

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Dip each bread slice into the batter, turning to coat evenly. Add 2 to 3 slices of the bread at a time to the skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Transfer to a warm platter and repeat the process with the remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.

Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm with Louisiana cane syrup.

Makes 4 to 6 servings