Pain perdu means means 'lost bread' in French. It is called such because it is a way to reclaim stale or 'lost' bread. This version of the French toast dish most likely hails from New Orleans.

Pain Perdu

2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange juice
12 (1-inch) day old French bread slices
2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil, (as needed)

1. In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and orange juice.
2. Heat butter in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high until melted.
3. Dip bread in egg mixture and cook in skillet 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden. Add more butter and oil as needed. Serve with fresh fruit and powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Makes 6 servings.