Pain Beauté (Montreal French Toast)

Two things I know for sure: I like art, and I like breakfast. And a combination of the two is a recipe for an ultimate Sunday, in my opinion. That’s how I first experienced the Brioche Beauty at Eggspectation in Montreal – a menu item that lives up to its name.  Grilled cinnamon brioche with fruit, yogurt and honey, and then a big long wander through the Musée des Beaux-Arts with two lovely friends? Yes please. 

I ate at Eggspectation twice after that – once with my sister when she came to visit, and once with my mom when she came to Montreal. I had the Beauty all three times, so it’s become my “brunching with les filles” food memory.  

This is a bit of an adaptation: instead of cinnamon brioche, this Beauty is made with a cinnamon-vanilla French-toastified croissant. Maybe I’ll browse the Musée website and call my sister to get the full Ladies Who Brunch effect.

Pain Beauté

Serves 2

2 croissants, preferably a day or two old

2 eggs

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

On top

Plain, vanilla, or coconut yogurt

Honey

Sliced or slivered almonds

Kiwis, mango, berries or whatever fruit you want

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Cut the croissant in half lengthwise and place it cut side-down in the egg mixture, allowing it to absorb for a minute. Fry on a medium heat until golden, about 3-5 minutes on each side.

Let the croissant cool down a bit, then pile on the yogurt, fruit, honey, and almonds... and a little confectioner’s sugar if you want to get fancy (and let’s be honest, you do).

*Daffodils optional