Cinnamon French Toast

Here's an ode to the classic French toast. Wake up 5 minutes earlier and prepare this sweet, French toast with sliced bananas for breakfast before school. Or get through this week and make it Sunday with your family. One of my favorite childhood memories is making French toast with my dad on Sundays before Hebrew school (yes, I am a Jew). So many different kinds of bread work in this recipe, however I suggest using soft, eggy challah or stale whole wheat bread. Make sure to cut thick slices! Serve with warm maple syrup and sliced bananas or your favorite jam (I like blueberry!)

Ingredients (makes 1 serving):
I egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp brown sugar (white sugar may be substituted)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
a few drops of almond extract (optional)
1 tsp maple syrup (my secret!)
pinch salt
1-2 thick slices of bread, depending on the size (challah, brioche, other stale bread)
 butter, microwaved maple syrup, jam, powdered sugar, bananas or fresh fruit, etc

Directions: 
1. In a small bowl (preferably with a deep, wide bottom), crack the egg and whisk until the yolk is well combined. Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, almond extract and salt. Add the tsp of maple syrup to the egg mixture (more maple-y goodness!)

2.  Dip the bread in the egg mixture until evenly coated on both sides. Wipe excess, dripping egg off the bread.

3. Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the French toast in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom side golden brown. Use a spatula to flip the bread over on the other side and cook for 3-4 minutes again.

4. Meanwhile, microwave the maple syrup (if you want it hot). Remove the toast form the pan,    place on a pretty plate and then add your desired toppings.  Enjoy!!!