Hot Chocolate French Toast

You love hot chocolate.  You love french toast.  Why not combine the two?  This recipe, found here, does just that.  It is so decadent you can hardly call it a breakfast meal, but go ahead and indulge once in a while.  I deliberately posted this on Friday so you have plenty of time to get your ingredients and make it this weekend!  I promise you will love this.......as alway enjoy!


Hot Chocolate French Toast

Ingredients
French Toast:
1 cup milk (we used 1%)
4 Tablespoons Hot Cocoa Mix
3 eggs
2 Tablespoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons butter
8 slices Challah bread, thick
Optional:  Cool Whip, Ice Cream

Ganache:
3/4 cup heavy cream
9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1 Tablespoon butter
2 teaspoons instant coffee

First make the ganache by combining everything but the coffee in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave in 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.  Stir in the instant coffee and place the ganache in the freezer for 15 minutes or the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Heat the milk in a microwave safe bowl for 2-3 minutes or until hot.  Stir in the hot cocoa and let cool for 5 minutes.

In a 9x13 pan, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, salt, and hot cocoa after cooled.

Prepare your French Toast "sandwiches" by spreading ganache between two slices of bread.  You can be generous, you will have plenty.  Place the four "sandwiches" in the egg mixture, cover, and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes flip the "sandwiches" and let sit 15 minutes or overnight (we did the 15 minutes).

Heat butter in a medium nonstick skillet and cook french toast 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp.  Serve with whipped cream or, for a more decadent treat, ice cream.