Last thing I remember it was Tuesday, since then life has been crazy and stressful. Tuesday is when the Black Forest Fire began here in Colorado and we live close to the Northwest part of the fire. We are about 10 minutes driving from that point, so it was quite nerve-racking to be on guard for all those days. The smoke was terrible, you could feel it in your eyes and nose. I walked to the end of our driveway to get the newspaper, it was so hard to breathe that I was coughing by the time I got to the front door. Thankfully, the fire never crossed Hwy 83 and we are safe. It has been very sad to see so many homes lost (485), and so many acres of beautiful land destroyed.
Black Forest is rightfully named, it is a beautiful area of dense pine trees that once you enter that area it becomes difficult to find the sun. It is one of those towns that is just far enough outside of town to feel like you are in the country and, yet close enough that you can easily get the things you might need.
We have an amazing community and the support for the fire fighters and all those assisting with containing the fire has been outstanding. It is heartwarming to see all the people who have been gathering at the shift change point to cheer their efforts and show their appreciation. Thanks to video we have been able to see a little of what these fire fighters have had to battle. These guys are truly heroes.
We are fortunate to be able to unpack our bags and begin to return to our daily routines. Breakfast is our first step 😀
One of my French Baguettes remained so, I decided it would be perfect for French Toast…
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only a fragrant spice it is an antioxidant that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding cinnamon to high-carbohydrate foods helps reduce the rise in blood sugar levels by slowing stomach emptying. Cinnamon may also help normalize blood sugar levels of those with type 2 diabetes. A study by Diabetes Care found that consuming one gram of cinnamon daily helped reduce blood sugar levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and the amount of total cholesterol in the body.
Cinnamon has anti-clotting properties and helps prevent blood platelets from clumping together. It also has antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeast.
Smelling cinnamon or chewing cinnamon flavored gum is believed to increase brain activity.
Cinnamon is a good source of calcium and fiber. Together they help reduce the risk of colon cancer by removing bile salts from the body.
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 french baguette, sliced 1 inch thick
- unsalted butter
- powdered sugar
- low-sugar or lite syrup
- In a large mixing bowl beat eggs. Add milk, vanilla, brown sugar and whisk to mix.
- Dip each piece of bread into mixture for about 10 seconds on each side. Allow excess mixture to drip off. I dip 3 pieces at a time, place on sheet pan and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add half a tablespoon of butter to the pan. It will begin to foam and then begin turning brown. At this point place 2-3 pieces of bread in the skillet, cinnamon side down. Cook on each side for 3 minutes or until golden.
- Wipe skillet with a paper towel in between batches.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
I prefer to sprinkle each bread with cinnamon rather than add it to the liquid mixture. I find this helps reduce clumps of cinnamon 😀 I don’t like soggy French Toast, so I dip the bread in the mixture just before I am ready to toast it in the pan.
This Cinnamon French Toast is easy to make and is delicious! It is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
It has a wonderful aroma of cinnamon and is slightly sweet. It is perfect lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served with fresh fruit.
Enjoy!
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Sources:
http://www.environmentalnutrition.com/issues/33_12/enonfoods/152102-1.html
http://www.whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=68