“On the go” Crunchy French Toast Sticks

A favorite recipe of viewers of my WCIU morning segments this recipe is quick, easy and delicious. The toast sticks have all the flavors of a typical American breakfast: cinnamon, apples and brown sugar. You can add your own twist by added some citrus zest and changing the cereal to corn flakes or bran.

5-6 slices challah bread cut into 1 inch thick slices
2 large eggs
1/3 cup heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
6 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce
¼ cup maple syrup, preferably grade b
¾ cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 ¼ cup Rice Krispies cereal
¼ cup Turbinado sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. Trim crust off the sides of each bread slice making a perfect rectangle or square. Cut the bread into 3 long pieces. Repeat with remaining slices. In a shallow bowl whisk together eggs, cream, salt, apple sauce, maple syrup, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and flour. Spread the cereal in another shallow bowl or plate. Spread the sugar in a medium sized plate. Place bread pieces, two at a time in the custard, and let soak for about one minute. Remove bread from custard mixture and immediately place into the cereal. Coat all sides with the cereal and then sprinkle with the sugar. Place on the baking tray. Repeat with remaining bread. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes on one side. Then flip over with tongs and bake again for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned. Cool and enjoy!

For a healthier alternative use whole grain bread and brown rice cereal, or crushed bran flakes