Name: Whole Grain French Toast with Fresh Papaya
Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: Makes 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium papaya; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch salt; 4 slices whole grain bread (1/2 to 3/4 inch thick); 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus additional, if necessary; Maple syrup, for serving, optional

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are from The Skinny: How to Fit Into Your Little Black Dress Forever by Melissa Clark and Robin Aronson.

Use a soft whole grain loaf for this recipe — anything crusty or crunchy would distract from the smooth, custardy texture of the French toast. Papayas are an underappreciated fruit that deserve more play. We chose to pair them with this recipe because their juicy, bright flavor is a nice contrast to the fried bread, and, well, because we love them. But feel free to substitute whatever fruit you like.

Recipe notes

Grape Dumplings

Native American people made these with cornmeal dumplings, simmering them with wild grapes, which were harvested at their peak sweetness.

Fufu

Fufu is a dish that has been passed down through many generations and is seen as a symbol of Ghanaian identity and heritage. Making fufu traditionally is a very laborious task; this recipe mimics some of that hard work but with a few home-cook hacks that make for a far easier time.

Wampanoaug Clam Fritters

The clams’ natural briny sweetness serves as a surprising foil for the tender fritter batter—just be sure to pull off the tough outer coating of the siphon.

Île Flottante

Originally called omelette à la neige (snow omelet) in reference to the fluffy snow-like appearance of the meringue, île flottante (floating island) has a lengthy history that dates back to the 17th century.

Masoub (Banana and Flatbread Pudding)

This quick breakfast or dessert is renowned in Yemen and throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Jammy Grape Galette

We don’t bake with grapes as often as we should. But even the most average supermarket varieties come alive when roasted with a bit of sugar and seasoning.

Tater Tots Tossed in Date Butter

Put these out at a gathering, and we guarantee you’ll be hearing rave reviews for a long time.

Smoky Tofu Shakshuka

This vegan version of the classic North African scramble uses soft silken tofu instead of eggs without any sacrifice of flavor.