We LOVED this French toast!  I mean, we already love French toast, but add some tang and sweetness from an orange and we’re ALL in.

This takes typical French toast up a notch and gives it that wow-factor. You start with the usual French toast batter (milk and eggs), but sub milk for evaporated milk.  This gives it a hint of richness without sacrificing calories/fat.  Then, you’ll end up adding orange zest to that batter.  And, to really make this French toast even more awesome, it gets topped with an orange-maple syrup.  We are seriously in love over here with this breakfast.  While there’s only three of us to feed, I made the entire batch, threw the leftovers in the fridge, and we’ll be warming them up in the toaster for breakfast for the next couple days.  Love, Love, Love!!

Orange-Infused French Toast
Mimi’s Fit Foods
Adapted from Rocco Dispirito’s “Now Eat This! Diet”

Ingredients:
1 large navel orange (zest included)
1/2 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
1 cup liquid egg substitute
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated skim milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 pieces stale or sturdy whole-wheat bread (I used Jack Spratt)
nonstick cooking spray

Directions:
Using a rasp or grater, remove zest of the orange and set aside for the bread. Cut off the top and bottom of the orange. Position the orange so that the flat bottom end is resting on the cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, cut the skin and white pith off in a downward curving motion. Continue cutting around the orange so that it is no longer surrounded by the skin and pith. Cut the orange crosswise into 1/4-inch slices, and then cut the slices into quarters.

Transfer the orange quarters to a small sauce pan over low heat. Add the pancake syrup, and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes, and then turn off the heat and set aside.

In a large, shallow pan (I use a deep pie plate), add the egg substitute, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest. Stir with a whisk or fork until well combined. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture; turn to coat both sides and allow mixture to soak bread.

Head a griddle or large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. When hot, coat it with cooking spray. Add the bread slices and cook, about 2 minutes each side. Repeat with remaining slices.

Serve with the orange syrup.

Serves 5.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving = 2 Slices):
276.6 Calories | 17.3g Protein | 51.3g Carbs | 1.2g (0.1g Sat) Fat | 10.9g Sugars