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Pain Perdu with Poached Apricots

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Pain Perdu with Poached ApricotsMark Thomas

A delicious dessert version of a favorite New Orleans breakfast dish. Pain perdu translates as "lost bread," but you'll find that this is simply a type of French toast.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 whole star anise
1 1/2 tablespoons orange liqueur
9 apricots, halved, pitted
1/2 cup whole milk
6 large eggs
6 1/2-inch-thick slices egg bread
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
Powdered sugar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stir 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and star anise in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Add orange liqueur. Simmer until syrupy, about 3 minutes. Add apricots and cook until apricots soften, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and keep warm. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium-low heat before using.)

    Step 2

    Whisk milk and eggs in 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Add bread in single layer. Let stand until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes per side.

    Step 3

    Cook 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until butter begins to foam. Add 3 bread slices to skillet and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to warm platter. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 3 bread slices.

    Step 4

    Divide pain perdu among 6 plates. Spoon warm apricots and syrup over, discarding star anise. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

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