Quick, Easy & Crispy French Toast

This French toast is crispy, but not because of the usual addition of cornflakes of nuts. Believe it or not, these little babies are sprinkled with Wheat Germ, of ALL THINGS! I know, I know. You think I've gone made right? I haven't and I promise, you will love this little trick. 

Many of you may not have grown up on the stuff like I did. So, What the heck is Wheat Germ anyway? 

Wheat Germ contains many essential nutrients and is a good source of B vitamins, such as folate, niacin, thiamin and vitamin B6, among other things. Wheat Germ is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Pancakes and French toast are the breakfasts my son requests the most. And I don't mind indulging him when I know I've made the healthiest version possible. When I make items like these, I always try to pack them full of nutrition. I cut the fat by using skim milk and sometimes use a mixture of whole eggs and egg whites. I always use wheat flour or wheat bread and love to mix-in fruit and Wheat Germ to boost the nutrition factor. Foods like this can be a godsend when you have a picky toddler who only likes meals on-the-go because, they can be eaten at room temperature and you can pop them into a Ziplock baggie and be on your merry way. 

Crispy whole-wheat French Toast

Serves 2- 4

2 eggs, beaten

¼ cup skim milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

4 slices whole wheat bread

¼ cup wheat germ

2 tablespoons butter

1.In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, salt and. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture and allow each to soak for 10 seconds on each side. Place dipped bread onto a platter or cutting board. Sprinkle each slice with wheat germ on both sides.

2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place 2 slices of bread into the pan at a time and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Serve immediately topped with fresh berries, extra butter and real maple syrup or keep toast warm in the oven using the TIP, below.

TIPS:

Keep French toast warm in a 250 degree oven by placing it on a rack set into a cookie sheet.

Save leftovers (if there are any) for sandwiches later. French toast bread is great for a grilled ham and cheese later!

Some of my favorite uses for Wheat Germ:

• Sprinkled into hot or cold breakfast cereal.
• Baked into muffins or breads
• Stirred into waffle or pancake batter
• Stirred into yogurt or a smoothie
• Added to your favorite granola bar recipe
• 
  

Time Saver Tips aka Save your sanity! 

Make-ahead and freeze:

I have to be out the door by 7:30AM to make it to work every day which doesn't leave me  a whole lot of lingering time. Still, I know that having my sons favorite breakfast foods on-hand is the best way to ensure he eats a good breakfast no matter how pressed for time I am. Freezing is the key to my success. Every Sunday, I make a batch double batch of either Pancakes or French Toast and freeze them, using the method below. 

1. Make a double batch of your favorite pancakes, french toast or waffles. 

2. Allow them to cool on a wire rack. 

3. Wrap each pancake individually in wax paper, parchment paper or heavy duty aluminum foil and place inside a freezer bag. 

To Re-heat:

Unwrap and place in microwave for 20 seconds. You could also reheat in the oven but that's just crazy talk to a mama whose in a rush to get out the door.

*Note: After opening, store Wheat Germ in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for an even longer shelf life.