Buena Vista French Toast for Fran & Dennis π
Description
One weekend, Dan and I embarked on a delightful journey to Buena Vista, CO, to spend some quality time with his beloved Aunt Fran and Uncle Dennis. As the sun rose on a serene Sunday morning, a sudden culinary inspiration struck me, fueled by a delightful idea I had been nurturing for a day or two. With Aunt Fran by my side, we ventured to the local grocery store, gathering the essential ingredients for my creation.
Now, here’s the twist: instead of the traditional English muffins, I stumbled upon a gemβa loaf of English muffin bread, a Buena Vista specialty that enchanted me. Naturally, I had to incorporate this newfound treasure into my recipe, using 8 heavenly slices to craft my masterpiece. The result? A sight to beholdβgolden-brown and delightfully puffy, like a culinary dream come true.
Ah, but let’s not forget about the altitude! Buena Vista, nestled snugly amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, boasts an elevation that adds a touch of mystery to baking times. Hence, I’ve noted a range of 30 minutes to an hour for baking, recognizing that your kitchen might dance to a different tune depending on where you are.
Oh, but the story doesn’t end there! Upon our return to Kansas City, Dan’s hometown, a special request came my way. His father and step-mother, intrigued by tales of our Buena Vista breakfast adventure, pleaded for a taste of my creation. Without my trusty English muffin bread, I improvised with wheat breadβa delightful twist that garnered unexpected praise.
Now, let’s fast forward a bit. After impressing the folks in Kansas City, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. You see, in the whirlwind of culinary excitement, I forgot to secure a copy of the recipe for myself! Imagine my dismay as I attempted to recreate the magic from memoryβclose, but not quite the same.
Then, in a stroke of luck, I mustered the courage to ask Aunt Fran for the secret behind our Buena Vista triumph. Not only did she graciously provide the recipe, but she also shared a heartwarming tidbit. It turns out, this French Toast creation had become somewhat of a local legend, with Fran and Dennis spreading joy and culinary delights across their charming town.
And so, it seemed only fitting to pay homage to the picturesque town of Buena Vista and the wonderful souls who made this recipe a success. Thus, I proudly present to you the “Buena Vista French Toast for Fran & Dennis”βa culinary journey that blends love, tradition, and a touch of mountain magic.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10-12 | English muffins |
| 6 | Eggs |
| 1 | cup heavy cream |
| 2 | tbsp orange zest |
| 2 | tsp cinnamon |
| 1/4 cup | brown sugar |
| 1/4 cup | butter |
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 784
- Total Fat: 40.5g
- Saturated Fat: 22.6g
- Cholesterol: 421.7mg
- Sodium: 800.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 82.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.5g
- Total Sugars: 22.1g
- Protein: 23.6g
Recipe Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, crack open those eggs, letting their golden yolks glisten.
- Pour in the velvety cream, adding a touch of richness to the mix.
- Sprinkle in the vibrant orange zest, infusing each bite with citrusy goodness.
- Add a hint of cinnamon, a dash of warmth to awaken the senses.
- Whisk it all together, a symphony of flavors coming to life.
- Grease a generously sized casserole dish with a tablespoon of butter, ensuring a golden finish.
- Lay down half of those delectable English muffins in the dish, letting them snuggle up to one another.
- Pour half of the heavenly egg mixture over the muffins, gently pressing down to soak up the goodness.
- Sprinkle a layer of brown sugar, a sweet kiss to elevate each bite.
- Repeat with the remaining English muffins, egg mixture, and brown sugar, layering with care.
- Dot the top with the remaining butter, a final flourish before it goes into the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to an hour, until it emerges golden-brown and puffy, a true masterpiece of Buena Vista charm.
And there you have it, a slice of Buena Vista magic served on a plate. This French Toast, with its tender English muffins, creamy custard, and citrusy zest, is a tribute to Aunt Fran, Uncle Dennis, and the enchanting town that inspired it all. Serve it up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or simply enjoy it as isβeach bite a taste of mountain bliss. Enjoy! πβ¨
