Downward Facing Dog and Pain Perdu

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Being gently woken up by the warm sunshine on my face followed by a little tail wagging is a great way to start the day. As soon as my scruffy Panchito hears or sees me waking from my slummer he is there ready with a tail wag and my morning hug. I sit up and reach for my glasses, then my little guy puts his paws on my lap and moves in closer for our hug. A gentle squeeze, a little kiss on his furry head and a good morning to my little man. Rain or shine, hot or cold, Panchito is there every morning offering a hug, smile, love and just being my ray of sunshine.

Our morning routine before heading out for our morning walk changes from time to time, but Panchito's love is constant. Recently I finally pushed myself to get back to practicing Yoga. This time I have been waking up earlier than usual to move through my Asanas before I head out with Panchito and start my day. He patiently waits for me to finish, sitting closely and observing my downward dog, probably wondering why I'm imitating him or thinking I'm doing it wrong. As I roll up my Yoga mat and head to put myself together, my little shadow is there by my side. He sits in the bathroom quietly waiting and observing my every move. Next up is Daddy's turn, a good morning and repeat of the love and attention offered to me now on to my husband.

The weather has been so beautiful, sunny and warm. We've been taking advantage of it and the three of us heading out for family walks. We are lucky not only because of the weather but because we can do things like this together and have a sweet loyal four legged companion to share it with. Even if our Panchito isn't always the most well behaved dog once he heads outdoors, I wouldn't trade him or the wonderful 12+ years he has given us. I'm a very lucky girl for having two of the most loving and caring companions in the world, I love my boys more than anything. Yes even more than chocolate but it's a close call, just kidding.

You may be wondering what my scruffy terrier has to do with Pain Perdu. He loves it, more specifically he loves the bread it is made with. But lets backup a bit, Pain Perdu means "lost bread" in French and to many of us it is simply know as French toast. In France Pain Perdu is a dessert and not a breakfast dish like it is in many of our homes. It is served with a dusting of powdered sugar and jam or also fruit and butter. Pain Perdu is know all over the world and there are many variations in the toppings and ingredients used. Pain Perdu is always made with day-old or slightly stale bread. That is were the name starts making sense, "Because it is a way to reclaim stale or "lost" bread." per Wikipedia. The bread my husband and I prefer to use for French toast is Brioche. Brioche is buttery, soft, moist, slightly sweet and just plain delicious. Brioche also makes a great snack, we often purchase bags of small Brioche rolls for the three of us to share. If you have a Brioche around Panchito beware, he will stop at nothing to get his share. This morning's Pain Perdu was made with a loaf of yummy Brioche. (Panchito also went nuts for it, evidence below. )

But if you do not have Brioche you can use thick bread slices (pain de mie), challah or really any slightly stale bread you don't want to waste. Breakfast or dessert it makes a great treat for the whole family. Bon Appetit!

Pain Perdu or French Toast Ingredients:
Makes 6 slices for 2 hungry humans and one curious Pup!

6 slices of day-old Brioche or thick bread slices (pain de mie), challah really any slightly stale bread
3 large eggs
1 tbsp whole milk
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
vanilla, optional
small pinch of salt
butter for pan

Some Suggested Toppings:
Maple syrup
powdered sugar
fresh fruit
fruit jam
butter

1. Heat a large pan or griddle. While the the pan/griddle is heating up in a large and shallow container lightly beat the eggs with the milk, cinnamon and salt. Melt enough butter to properly coat the pan/griddl. Make sure the heat is not to high so the butter and toast does not burn. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture and allow to soak for a couple of minutes, turning once. Gently place the soaked bread on the hot pan/griddle. Cook each slice for about 3 minutes or until golden. CAREFUL not to burn the toast. It will be firm yet soft. Repeat the process until all of the bread has been cooked.

2.Dust with powdered sugar, top with fruit and drizzle with maple syrup. Or serve as desired with any of the suggested toppings.

* TIP* If you do not have stale or day old bread ready, slice the bread being used and leave on the counter for about 30 minutes or longer until ready to use.
** If your puppy is having a taste make sure his/her share has no powdered sugar, maple syrup or any other sweetener.**

Other scrumptious French Toast recipes :

-Simply Recipes, French Toast
- Nourished Kitchen, Sourdough French Toast with Maple and Cinnamon
- The Winter Guest, Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)
- Brooke Dowdy via Honest Cooking, Weekend Brunch: Spiked French Toast
- Coconut and Almond French Toast
- Tracey's Culinary Adventures Chocolate Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast with Strawberry Topping