French toast at the Matchbox Bikini Club isn't about precision.
It's about that perfect intersection between effort and ease—making something delicious without trying too hard. It should look like something you'd eat on a wrap-around porch while reading yesterday's newspaper.
For the Not-Too-Precious Recipe You'll need...
1. That slightly stale bread you forgot about (sourdough, brioche, or whatever you have)
2 eggs, ideally from someone's cousin's farm, but supermarket will do
3. A splash of milk or cream
4. A pinch of cinnamon
5. A touch of vanilla extract
6. A knob of salted butter
7. Real maple syrup
8. Summer berries, if you have them
9. A sprinkle of powdered sugar for that vintage touch
The ritual:
Crack the eggs into a shallow dish with high sides. Add milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk lazily with a fork while thinking about absolutely nothing important.
Heat a pan (cast iron if you're a serious club member, non-stick if you're still on the waiting list) and melt that butter until it sizzles.
Dip bread slices into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak just long enough—about 30 seconds per side. No precision timing here.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. The edges should be crispy, the inside custardy.
Arrange haphazardly on your grandmother's plates (or whatever plates you own that make you feel like a slightly disheveled heiress).
Top with berries, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup.
The key is in the presentation—it should look beautifully accidental, as if you just happened to create something delicious while barely trying. Extra points if you eat it while wearing a slightly wrinkled linen shirt or an oversized men's button-down.
Bon appétit bikini lovers!