French Toast with Ricotta and Fruit Preserves

, from Issue #23. September, 2015
Photography by Aaron McLean.
French Toast with Ricotta and Fruit Preserves

Ideally use a fruit preserve that contains whole pieces of fruit, such as the black cherry we have used here.

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

8 x 1 cm thick slices brioche
1⁄2 cup firm ricotta cheese
1/3 cup thick fruit preserves
2 free-range eggs
1 cup milk
1⁄2 cup cream
2 tablespoons caster sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
butter
icing sugar for dusting 
maple syrup for drizzling

METHOD

Spread 4 slices of brioche with ricotta and spread the remaining 4 slices with preserves. Close the sandwiches, gently pressing together.

Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and salt in a shallow dish. Dip both sides of the sandwiches in the egg mixture until well coated and the soaking mixture has been absorbed.

Melt a knob of butter in a large non-stick sauté pan and fry the sandwiches on both sides until deeply golden and crisp. Cut the sandwiches in half and transfer to serving plates. Dust with icing sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or serve on the side in a small jug. Serve immediately.