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1892 East's crispy French toast

Time45 minutes
YieldsServes 4
1892 East's crispy French toast
(Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
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Dear SOS: About a year ago, I was in Huntsville, Ala., attending a graduation at Oakwood University, my alma mater. While I was there, I visited a restaurant named 1892 East New American Restaurant & Tavern for a Sunday brunch. I ordered the crispy French toast, and it was to die for! Is there any way you can get the recipe? I live in California, so going back to Huntsville is out of the question, of course. I would be forever grateful.

Richard Hodnett

Riverside

Dear Richard: The trick to this French toast is a combination of cornflakes and buttery palmiers, which add great crunch and rich flavor. With a topping of apples and a dusting of powdered sugar, it makes for a perfect start to the day. Now you can have a little Huntsville right here in Southern California.

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Apple topping

1

In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, cinnamon, brown sugar and a pinch of salt over low heat. Cook, stirring until the apples are tender but not mushy, 8 to 10 minutes. While the apples are cooking, combine the water and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture to the apples and increase the heat to high, stirring until the liquid bubbles and thickens. Remove from heat and hold in a warm place.

Crispy French toast

1

In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg to form the batter.

2

In a food processor, grind the cornflakes with the palmiers and powdered sugar to a coarse, sandy texture.

3

Heat the oil in a wide pot or deep fryer until it reaches 350 degrees.

4

While the oil is heating, start preparing the French toast: Dip the bread in the batter to soak, then press the soaked bread into the crust mixture on both sides to form a good coating. Place the bread in the fryer, careful not to crowd, and fry until the crust is golden-brown, about 2 minutes.

5

Drain the French toast on paper towels to remove any excess oil, then arrange on a plate and top with apples and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately.