Kid-Friendly, Dairy Free French Toast

Every Friday night, I have a dinner with my family, parents, siblings and their kids.  It’s our Sabbath meal, and it’s become tradition.  While we celebrate it for religious factors, to me it means so much more. It’s a way for my family to connect, sit-down, and catch up on a regular basis.  We talk about our week, what we have planned for the weekend, and the cousins all get to enjoy each others company (read: run-a-muck together). My sister-in-law is probably one of the best bakers I know and she makes a killer challa.  It’s so good that I’m forever spoiled and can never eat a store-bought challa ever again! There’s often enough for us to take home and use it for some French Toast the next day.  EXCEPT…. this year, I decided to go healthy.  This darn resolution is putting a dent in my french toast plans. Challa, while tasty and delicious and good for the soul, is not so great for my waste line. Luckily, Melissa Jacks has a french toast recipe that’s not only delicious, but healthy and packed with protein. I can’t wait to make this with my recipe this weekend!

RECIPE

Cook Time: 10 Minutes     Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup egg whites
• 5 whole eggs
• ½ cup vanilla almond milk, unsweetened
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 slices whole grain bread
• 1-2 tbsp. coconut butter

Instructions

1. Arrange bread in a 9×13 inch dish, or any flat dish that will accommodate the bread.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla.
3. Pour eggs over the bread, making sure each slice of bread is fully covered with liquid. Let bread soak overnight. Gently flip bread a few times so both sides are immersed in the egg mixture.
4. Over medium-low heat, melt 2 tsp of coconut butter in a 10 inch non-stick pan. Place 2 slices of bread at a time into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and place on rack in oven for 5 minutes. Repeat with all 6 slices.
5. French toast freezes well.

Tips & Tricks

* Top French toast with ¼ cup Greek yogurt and 1 cup mixed berries.

* The key is to let the bread soak for a long time so the eggs immerse into the bread and it boosts the protein.

* You can make a dozen pieces at a time and individually wrap and freeze them for quick and easy meals.

For more great recipes and nutritional information and tips, check out Melissa Jacks on FACEBOOK & at www.melissajacks.com