We are experiencing a historic time in our lives. France has banned all social gatherings and closed its borders. Other countries are following suit. We are living in confinement, practicing social distancing while fighting this war together against the coronavirus. It’s a testing time for us city dwellers who share smaller spaces and don’t have the luxury of a balcony, garden, or rooftop to just step out and take in the fresh air and stillness of the city.

Sounds of sirens are no longer screaming. I guess the cops, firefighters, and other emergency vehicles have the streets to themselves. I wonder if crime has gone down too?

We now need to fill in permission forms to exit our homes and it must be for an acceptable reason on the list issued by the French government. Fortunately, exercising outdoors in close proximity to where one lives is still acceptable as long as you do it on your own. For me, this is running around my block like thirty times and it has become an everyday affair since life on lockdown.

Pain perdu literally means “lost bread”. Traditionally it’s leftover stale bread reconverted into a sweet deliciousness by coating and soaking it in milk, egg and sugar. This traditional recipe dates as far back to the ancient Roman times.

The French do not like to waste food and tossing bread probabably has religious connotations and may be frowned upon, especially in economic dire times…this is a triple whammy. We are facing those economic dire times NOW. So what best to do with any leftover baguette, brioche, and Wonder bread—does that even still exist?!

Pain Perdu

INGREDIENTS//Yields 8-12 slices

• 60-80 grans butter
• 200 ml milk
• 2 large free-range egg
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Bread of your choice (my faves: brioche, baguette,challah—preferably older bread), sliced

Toppings

• 1 tablespoons confectionary sugar
• Maple syrup as desired
• Fresh fruit

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium size mixing bowl beat the eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Set it aside.

Heat up your skillet with your knob of butter.

Begin by dipping a slice of bread into your wet mixture and let it soak from both sides.

Transfer it to the hot skillet and cook until each side is golden brown.

Assemble it on a plate with your favorite toppings.