Torrijas Recipes

Steps:

• For the anise syrup: Combine 1 1/2 cups water with the sugar, honey, orange zest, salt and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, about 3 minutes. Boil for 1 minute, then reduce to low heat and simmer until the mixture reduces to a thin syrup, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond and anise extracts.
• For the Spanish-style French toast (torrijas): Slice the baguette on the bias into 1-inch thick slices. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Dip the bread in the mixture and soak for 30 seconds to 1 minute (do not let the bread get too soggy).
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the soaked bread in batches until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.
• Place the torrijas on a slightly concave or rimmed serving platter and cover fully with the Anise Syrup. Let soak at least 20 minutes before serving, if time allows. Serve warm or at room temperature sprinkled with a bit of the flaky sea salt.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350. Boil a kettle full of water for the water bath.
• Put the milk, cream, 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, bean, extract and lemon peel in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and discard the cinnamon, bean and peel.
• Arrange the brioche slices in a spiral in a deep 9-by-13-inch ovenproof baking dish. Gently pour the milk-and-cream mixture on top, allowing the brioche to slowly soak up most of the liquid.
• In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks together with 1/2 cup sugar until thick and light in color, about 2 minutes. Spread the mixture over the brioche slices, covering them completely and evenly.
• Put the baking dish in a baking pan; put the whole thing in the oven. Carefully pour boiling water into the baking pan so it comes up the sides of the dish as much as possible. Bake until the top is golden and the egg is slightly puffed, about 20 minutes. Serve.

Steps:

• In a wide, shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, milk, golden caster sugar and sherry. Cut each slice of bread in two and dip them into the egg mix, turning to make sure they get a good coating on either side. Soak bread in egg mixture for 10 mins to absorb the liquid (carefully turn them over from time to time and make sure they don't get too soggy).
• Heat 1½ tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the bread for about 3 mins on each side until dark golden and crisp on the edge. Keep the slices warm in a low oven as you cook the rest.
• Divide the torrijas between plates and dust with the icing sugar. Serve with crème fraîche or Greek yogurt on the side.