Almond Ciabatta French Toast

If you enjoy the taste of almonds and love ciabatta bread, this may be the recipe for you!

3 large eggs
2 pinches of salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon pure Madagascar vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
Eight 1 inch slices Ciabatta
Unsalted butter
1 cup sliced almonds

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs well then add the salt, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Pour this mixture into a shallow baking dish. Place the bread slices in the dish and allow to soak for 3 minutes on each side. If you have a griddle you could prepare all the bread slices at once but a large frying pan works well. If using a frying pan, you will do the bread in batches. Butter the griddle or fry pan generously and place almonds where the bread slices will go (the size and shape of slices). Place the soaked bread slices on the almonds, pressing down firmly. Use medium low heat and cook until golden brown, approximately 4-6 minutes...then flip over and cook until done.

I served the french toast with candied bacon slices, and for color added fresh sliced strawberries. You can serve the french toast with your special blend of maple syrup and sprinkle with a little powdered sugar. As you can see, I garnished with a fluff of whipped cream, mint and violet.