November 28 National French Toast Day #NationalFrenchToastDay

Today there is no, need to wonder about what to make for breakfast because on November 28th it’s National French Toast Day. That thick, sweet, savory dish that’s become a staple of the American breakfast diet. Just writing about this topic has us thinking about heading out for a late breakfast. That’s why we’re so jazzed about National French Toast Day. Anyone want to go to Denny’s or I Hop?

Here’s a question for you. Did you know the French do not call this French Toast. It’s called “Pain Perdu,” or “Lost Bread,” because you can literally use Stale Bread to make French Toast. Most Americans, however, might find that objectionable. My family wouldn’t because we hate wasting food. What about you?

French Toast, according to Frenchly, comes from a desire to not waste food. Also, please note that it’s a major faux pas to throw Bread away. Did you know Bread has religious meaning? Most experts agree that French Toast dates back to ancient Rome. A similar recipe can be found in the book of Apicius from the 5th Century BC. The Romans dipped slices of Bread in Milk and sometimes Eggs before frying them, and called this dish “Pan Dulcis.”

Fast forward to the 1400s and you’ll find a similar recipe at the court of Henri V where the “lost Bread” attracted many fans. Still, it wasn’t until the mid 17th Century that the term “French Toast” appeared in England. Food historians believe the term “French” does not even mean France; instead, it refers to the verb “to French” which means “to slice” in Old Irish. Which means “French toast” is actually “sliced Toast.”

Irish settlers traveling to the U.S. and Canada may have brought the term with them. The phrase “French Toast” first appeared in The Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink in 1871. However, similar recipes were also called “Egg Toast,” “Spanish Toast,” and even “German Toast.”

There’s another less exotic theory. French Toast may have been called “French” because it enabled Chefs to inflate the price. “Traditionally in the United States, we have an admiration for French cuisine, which we consider elaborate and gastronomic,” says Kitchen Project Editor-in-Chief Stephen Block. “And that’s probably why recipe was named that way. It’s just marketing. There’s no chance that ‘Lost Bread’ could have worked. And since the dish was successful and the recipe was easy, the name spread.”

National French Toast Day Activities

The best way to celebrate National French Toast Day is to make French Toast for yourself.
If you have the opportunity gather the family in the kitchen and create your favorite French Toast recipes together!
Culinary history is filled with fascinating tales of trial and error. Since French Toast has such a long, illustrious history, you’re bound to stumble upon some interesting stories.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget those less fortunate than us. On a day like National French Toast Day, which is a celebration of food, prepare French Toast and take some to a local Homeless Shelter.
Take the time to volunteer at a food drive or a homeless shelter ad prepare French Toast for the people waiting to be feed.

Things We Didn’t Know About French Toast

Did you know French Toast has a lot of names including Eggy Bread, German Toast, Poor Knights, and Torrija.
In France, French Toast is called “Pain Perdu,” which means “Lost Bread.”
The recipe for French Toast is first found in Roman documents from the fourth or fifth century BC.
In Hong Kong Teahouses, “Western Toast” is often filled with Peanut Butter or Jam. David would love but I would pass on. How about you?
Americans like French Toast for breakfast, but other Countries and cultures eat French Toast at other times of the day.

Why We Love National French Toast Day

Many of us like to load up for breakfast and although opinions vary as to whether or not breakfast really is “the most important meal of the day,” there’s no doubt that there are worse ways to start the day than with something sweet like French Toast.

You should check out Steven Wright’s classic joke about how he went to a restaurant that served “breakfast at any time,” so he ordered French Toast during the Renaissance. Is that a joke you’ve heard because I haven’t and it might or might not be funny to find out you need to look up the joke like I plan on doing.

While French Toast is certainly not a health food, French Toast can be a part of a healthy and moderated diet. For example, French Toast contains decent amounts of essential nutrients, Including riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12, thiamine, niacin, and folate.

Recipe for French Toast

3 large egg yolks

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

8 slices day-old brioche bread (1 inch thick)

Optional toppings: Butter, maple syrup, fresh berries and confectioners’ sugar

Directions