Coast Toast

When I was in college, I journeyed to southern California one spring break with 50 of my closest friends......not really, but it sure sounds good!  I went as a cook/chaperon for 50 high schoolers.  While there, we spent an afternoon at LaJolla Cove.  I fell in love with that little cove and dreamed about returning some day.  Little did I know that is would be almost 15 years later that I would return with my husband and daughter.  It is now a favorite place for our family. 

While there we always try to go to Brockton Villa for brunch.  If you are ever in the area, it is not to be missed!  All of the food is wonderful but their signature item.....Coast Toast......oh my!  They are so generous that they give this recipe away on their website as well as on recipe cards at the restaurant and I have tried in vain to reproduce the exact taste and texture.  While good and quite delicious, the real McCoy is even better.  And NO there is nothing about this recipe that fits in with the dairy free and egg free diet that we need to follow for Arthur's sake.

If you are looking for a great special occasion breakfast, brunch or even dinner entree, this is it!  I only make this once or maybe twice a year.  It is soo goood!

Toast Coast
compliments of Brockton Villa

1 loaf soft French bread (sliced)
1 qt. whipping cream
10 eggs
¾ cup orange juice
½ cup sugar
a pinch of salt
2 tbs. vanilla
2 tbs. orange flavoring

Combine liquid ingredients. Pour over bread slices. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.

Remove bread and discard liquid. Spread butter on flat grill.

Cook bread until golden brown, then bake at 450° for 5 -7 minutes or until bread is puffed up like a soufflé. Dust with powdered sugar.

Serve immediately.

Serves 6

Notes:  I have not tried any substitutions on this.