The English call it French toast. The French go by the name pain perdu—translate that and it literally means “lost bread.” This delicious treat is named for the main ingredient, stale bread, that might otherwise be thrown away.
Try this recipe for “Lost Bread” and learn about history at the same time!
Lost Bread 
Before You Begin
Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 slices (2 servings)
Difficulty: medium
Ingredients
2 eggs
2/3 cups milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Day-old bread, cut into 1-inch slices (challah or other firm bread works well)
1 tablespoon butter
Maple syrup
Equipment
Bowl
Whisk or fork
Pie plate or another deep dish
Sturdy nonstick skillet
Spatula
Serving plate
Method
- Whip eggs in a bowl with a whisk or fork. Add milk, sugar, and vanilla and pour into the pie plate.
- Place the bread slices in the egg mixture and allow them to soak up the liquid.
- Turn the bread over to allow the other side of the bread to absorb the mixture.
- Melt a little butter in a nonstick skillet. Place soaked bread slices in the hot skillet. Cook each side until browned.
- Remove the bread using the spatula and serve immediately with maple syrup drizzled on top.