Panettone French Toast with Candied Citrus Syrup

Panettone French Toast with Candied Citrus Syrup

Panettone Bread is a sweet bread, usually made and eaten around December.  This bread was known to be first made in Milan, Italy.  It is domed-shaped and filled with candied fruit, like orange peel and raisins.  

Many different ingredients are added to this traditional bread, such as cherries, nuts, and other fruits.    

There is also a chocolate version on the market.  I researched this bread to see if I can find it gluten-free.  Much to my surprise, I did find it online at International Markets.  The problem was.....well,  I didn't want to pay the price they were asking for this bread.  So, I decided to just come up with a special recipe.

What are you planning on putting on your table soon?  Are you looking for a perfect breakfast or dessert to feed your family or guests?  Look no further; I did all the work for you.  I took some Gluten Free White Bread and made a traditional French Toast. Then I took candied orange peel ( please, if you buy this ingredient, stock up because it is hard to find other times of the year) and raisins and cooked them in a simple syrup.  I have to say that I usually do not have a sweet tooth, but OMGoodness, this syrup is amazing!  All the flavors are there.  It tastes just like the Panettone Bread, I remember. A dollop of mascarpone cheese balances the sweetness of the syrup.  So, go ahead and indulge.  It doesn't happen often.

Candied Syrup Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup candied orange peel

1/4 cup raisins

1 cinnamon stick

2 TBS heavy cream

Syrup Directions:

1.  In a medium-size saucepan, add water and sugar.  Heat on med/high until sugar is dissolved, stirring.

2.  Add orange peel and raisins.  Turn down the heat and simmer until the liquid is almost reduced to half.  Stir every 10 -15 mins.

3.  Add the cinnamon stick and simmer for additional 10 mins.

4.  Add cream and stir.  Serve over top of French Toast.

Garnish with a dollop of mascarpone cheese and candied fruit.

French Toast Ingredients:

1 loaf of White Bread (gluten-free)

6 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup cream

1/8 tsp salt

4 TBS butter for griddle

8 ozs mascarpone cheese

Garnish: Candied Raspberries, blueberries, and orange slices

French Toast Directions:

1.  In a medium-size bowl, beat together eggs, cream, and salt.

2.  Heat griddle pan med/high heat.  Melt butter on the griddle.  (If you are making french toast in separate batches, divide butter accordingly).

3.  Add each slice of bread into the egg mixture.  Flip and coat the other side with egg mixture.  Add coated bread to the griddle.  Cook for approx. 4 mins on each side or until it is golden brown in color.