1 baguette, day old (or thick sliced challah, left out overnight)
1 cup water
1 cup sugar plus 1/4 cup
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks
4 eggs
1 tablespoon water
2 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar Peel of 1 lemon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1. Arrange 1” thick slices of day old baguette in a single layer in large glass dish; set aside.
2. In medium saucepan, combine water, 1 cup sugar, honey, lemon juice and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 7-9 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove cinnamon stick and allow honey mixture to cool.
3. Beat eggs with 1 tablespoon water in shallow dish and set aside.
4. Mix together milk, remaining ¼ cup sugar, lemon peel, remaining cinnamon stick and salt in heavy saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and milk is hot.
6. Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in large griddle to medium heat (or 350 degrees on electric griddle).
7. Pour warm milk over baguette slices. Using tongs, dip each slice into egg wash to coat both sides and drop onto hot skillet. Cook until golden brown, adding more oil as needed, about 2-3 minutes per side. Arrange on serving platter. When ready to serve, pour honey syrup over bread slices and serve.
– Recipe courtesy of Cook Like James