Ingredients

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups whole milk

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 teaspoon lightly packed orange zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

8 (1-inch thick) slices sweet batard or brioche

3 or 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)

Honeyed Strawberries, recipe follows

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, orange zest, vanilla, cardamom, and salt until eggs are broken up and evenly combined. Soak 3 bread slices in egg mixture turning once, until soaked through, about 4 minutes total.

Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When butter foams, place 3 pieces soaked bread in the pan and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining bread. Serve topped with Honeyed Strawberries.

Honeyed Strawberries:

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds removed

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 pound strawberries, hulled, and halved lengthwise

Mix honey, vanilla, and orange juice together in a medium bowl until honey is dissolved. Add strawberries, stir to coat, and let sit until berries give off their juices, at least 5 minutes. Stir briefly before using.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Inactive Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ease of preparation: easy

Preparation

See above