Balthazar Brioche French Toast

• challah bread1 loaf
• clarified butter0.25 cup
• confectioners' sugar6 servings
• eggs6 large
• ground cinnamon1 teaspoon
• milk4 cups
• nutmeg1 pinch
• superfine sugar0.5 cup
• butter2 tablespoons

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and milk.

2. 2

   Add cinnamon and nutmeg; whisk to combine.

3. 3

   Layer bread slices in a shallow baking dish and pour over egg mixture; let stand until bread begins to absorb liquid, 2 to 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Turn bread slices and let bread absorb liquid on the opposite side, 2 to 3 minutes more.Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

5. 5

   Place a baking sheet or ovenproof serving platter in oven.Working in batches, coat the bottom of a medium skillet with some of the clarified butter and heat over medium-high heat.

6. 6

   Add 3 to 4 slices of soaked bread and cook until golden brown and crisp.

7. 7

   Turn bread and cook until golden brown and crisp, adding butter as necessary to help browning and to give the French toast a nutty flavor.

8. 8

   Transfer French toast to baking sheet in oven to keep warm.

9. 9

   Repeat process with remaining clarified butter, soaked bread, and butter.

10. 10

    Serve French toast immediately dusted with confectioners' sugar, syrup, and fresh fruit or bacon, if desired.