Oranges and rum are produced in Venezuela, so it makes sense that this version of French toast is served with scrumptious syrup flavored with these local gems. Cinnamon also infuses both the egg mixture and syrup. Serve with fresh orange slices for a special touch. To save some time, the syrup can be made ahead and warmed.

Cinnamon Breakfast Toast with Orange-Rum Syrup

Orange-Rum Syrup:
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
1 tablespoon rum
Zest of 1 orange

Breakfast Toast:
1 pound French bread loaf (ends removed), cut into twelve, 1-inch slices (keep to about 1 inch, no higher than 1 1/4 inches)
1 (12-ounce) can NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil

Fresh orange slices and mint leaves (optional)

1. For Orange-Rum Syrup: Place water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, rum and orange zest in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, on medium-high heat until mixture thickens slightly and turns golden, about 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from heat; remove cinnamon stick and cloves. Keep warm or, if to be used later, allow to cool and pour into container; cover and refrigerate. Warm before serving. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
2. for Breakfast Toast: Whisk together evaporated milk, eggs, sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Pour egg mixture into 13 x 9-inch pan or shallow dish. Place bread slices in milk mixture. Turn bread over to coat evenly.
3. Pour oil into large skillet to reach 1/8-inch up side. Heat over medium-high heat until oil is very hot. Fry bread slices until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over and heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Transfer to warmserving platter. Serve with warm Orange-Rum Syrup. Garnish with orange slices and mint leaves, if desired.

Makes 6 servings (2 slices each).

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 45 mins
Cooking Time: 5 mins

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 630 Calories from Fat: 170 Total Fat: 19 g Saturated Fat: 5 g Cholesterol: 195 mg Sodium: 600 mg Carbohydrates: 97 g Dietary Fiber: 2 g Sugars: 60 g Protein: 15 g

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.