Hello, lovely readers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a truly indulgent breakfast delight that’s perfect for those cozy mornings when you want to treat yourself and your family to something special. In our busy household with four energetic kids, breakfast is often a whirlwind of cereal bowls and toast. But every now and then, it’s nice to slow down and enjoy something a little more luxurious. Enter our star of the day: Roasted Hazelnut and Chocolate French Toast with a Berry Compote.
There’s something undeniably comforting about French toast, isn’t it? It’s like a warm hug on a plate. And when you add the nutty crunch of roasted hazelnuts and rich, velvety chocolate, it becomes a breakfast experience that’s simply unforgettable.
I fondly remember my first encounter with this delightful combination during a family holiday in the French countryside. There was a quaint little bakery that served up the most aromatic hazelnut treats, and I’ve been inspired to incorporate those flavors into my own recipes ever since.
This dish is not just about indulgence, it also brings the family together. The kids love getting involved, whisking the eggs and milk, and watching as the magic unfolds in the skillet. Though the end result might seem fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, and the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward – most of them are probably sitting in your pantry and fridge right now!
The key to this scrumptious breakfast is using thick-sliced brioche. It soaks up the eggy mixture perfectly, holding together beautifully while cooking to golden perfection. The warmth and slight crunch of roasted hazelnuts play off the silky richness of melted chocolate, creating a beautiful contrast that’s elevated even further by the bright and tangy berry compote. The compote not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also balances the sweetness with a hint of tartness.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or looking for a special treat to surprise your loved ones, this Roasted Hazelnut and Chocolate French Toast with Berry Compote is bound to be a hit. So set the table, pour yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee, and savor the delicious medley of flavors. Here’s to making more delicious memories in the kitchen!
I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you, so please feel free to share your thoughts and pictures in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
– 8 slices of thick brioche bread
– 4 large eggs
– 240 ml whole milk
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 60 grams chopped roasted hazelnuts
– 120 grams dark chocolate, roughly chopped
– 150 grams fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– Pinch of salt
Method
1. Begin by preparing the berry compote. In a small saucepan, combine the mixed berries and honey or maple syrup. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the berries have softened and released their juices. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
3. Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely.
4. Dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not soaked.
5. Place the soaked bread slices into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
7. Once all the French toast slices are cooked, sprinkle the chopped roasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate evenly over the top. The heat from the toast will slightly melt the chocolate.
8. Serve the roasted hazelnut and chocolate French toast with a generous spoonful of berry compote on top. Enjoy your indulgent breakfast!
