# Classic French Toast Recipe

## Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or 3 tablespoons for less sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 to 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon high-quality vanilla extract
- 8 slices of thick brioche or challah bread (day-old preferred)
- Butter (for greasing)

## Instructions
1. **Preparation**: Preheat a griddle to 350 degrees F or heat a skillet over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter.
2. **Batter Making**:
    - a. **Blender Method**: Place eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract into a blender. Start on a low setting and increase to medium, blending for 10-15 seconds until smooth. 
    - b. **Manual Whisk Method**: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to the egg mixture, whisking until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
    - c. **Stand Mixer Method**: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk eggs and milk on a low speed. Gradually add flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon, continuing to mix until smooth. Finally, incorporate the vanilla extract.
3. **Dipping**: Dip each bread slice into the batter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
4. **Cooking**: Place the bread on the griddle or skillet. Cook until the bottom is golden brown (about 3-4 minutes), then flip and cook the other side.
5. **Serving**: Serve the French toast warm with toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

## Cook's Notes
- **Bread Choice**: Brioche or challah bread is preferred for its rich flavor. Day-old bread is ideal for soaking up the batter.
- **Milk Options**: Whole milk or half-and-half enriches the batter. A splash of heavy cream can be added for extra luxury.
- **Flour Tip**: Sifting the flour is beneficial for a smoother batter, especially when using the manual whisk or stand mixer method. The blender method effectively removes lumps, making sifting less critical.
