UBE FRENCH TOAST. Stuffed French Toast

  

Ube French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic

Hello food lovers!

Today, I'm thrilled to share a delightful variation of stuffed French toast that will bring a splash of vibrant color and an explosion of flavor to your breakfast table. Introducing: Ube French Toast! This recipe features a deliciously sweet, soft, and velvety ube halaya (purple yam jam) filling. Ube + French Toast = an intoxicating combination you will have to taste to believe! 

If you've been following my blog, you might recall my post about "Ube Halaya," where I shared my grandfather's cherished recipe. His ube halaya has been a favorite of mine since childhood, and I'm excited to incorporate it into this simple yet scrumptious breakfast idea. Trust me, if you love ube as much as I do, this dish will become a new favorite.

The Magic of Ube

For those who are new to ube, let me give you a little background. Ube, or purple yam, is a tuber native to the Philippines, known for its vivid purple color and naturally sweet flavor. It's often used in Filipino desserts and pastries, adding both a beautiful hue and a unique taste that sets it apart from other ingredients. My love affair with ube began with my grandfather's ube halaya, a luscious jam made from boiled and mashed ube, coconut milk, and condensed milk. The process of making ube halaya is a labor of love, and every bite brings back fond memories of my childhood.

Recipe video:

A Breakfast Transformation

Incorporating ube into French toast takes a beloved breakfast staple to a whole new level. The creamy, sweet ube halaya pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden exterior of French toast, creating a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It's an easy way to bring a touch of Filipino cuisine into your morning routine and impress anyone lucky enough to join you for breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of thick-cut bread
• Ube halaya/purple yam jam
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup full cream milk
• 1 tsp light brown sugar
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Generously spread ube halaya on one side of each bread slice. If you want an extra burst of ube flavor, add a thicker layer!

2. Create Sandwiches:

• Place another slice of bread on top of each ube-coated slice to create a sandwich.

3. Prepare the Batter:

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, full cream milk, light brown sugar, sea salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Dip the Sandwiches:

• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
• Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.

5. Cook the French Toast:

• Place the dipped sandwiches onto the heated skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your ube French toast warm, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even more ube halaya if you're feeling indulgent. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Ube French Toast

• Choose the Right Bread: Thick-cut bread works best for this recipe as it can hold the ube halaya filling without becoming too soggy. Brioche or challah bread are excellent choices due to their rich, buttery flavor.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter French toast, you can add a bit more sugar to the egg mixture or sprinkle some sugar on the bread before cooking.
• Make Ahead: To save time in the morning, you can prepare the ube sandwiches the night before and store them in the fridge. Simply dip and cook them in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

While this Ube French Toast is delicious on its own, you can elevate it further with some creative toppings and sides. Fresh fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or bananas complement the sweetness of the ube perfectly. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make this a decadent brunch or dessert option. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts on top.

Final Thoughts

This Ube French Toast is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant purple hue. It's a perfect way to start your day on a sweet and colorful note. Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and with this recipe, it can also be the most delightful.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Don't forget to check out my post on "Ube Halaya" if you haven't already, and let me know how your Ube French Toast turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Until next time, happy eating!