We were lucky when we visited Rockland, Main to discover the four Historic Inns of Rockland and the Berry Manor Inn. Cheryl Michaelsen and husband, Mike LaPosta are owners but the entire family is involved. This is home to the famous “Pie Ladies.”
We will have an in depth article on the inn soon. Today we are featuring Cheryl making the Berry Manor Inn Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked French Bread.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked French Toast
Serves 12
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1-1/2 loafs Italian bread (cubed)
6 large eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tabl. vanilla
2 cups milk
Method:
Grease a 13 x 9″ pan and set aside. In a small saucepan on stove, melt butter and add brown sugar and maple syrup. Blend well.
Pour into bottom of prepared pan and spread evenly.**
Cube bread and put on top of brown sugar mixture. Bread should be close to even with the top of the pan.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together. Add cinnamon, vanilla and milk and whisk together.
Pour egg mixture over the bread. Push the bread cubes down to make sure they are evenly saturated.
Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Bake for 1 hour in 350 degrees oven.
French toast should be moist but firm when done.
Flip each piece upside down on plate so brown sugar topping is on top and pour a small amount of maple syrup on each piece.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of confectionery sugar.
** Variations:
1. For a festive alternative substitute eggnog for milk.
2. Add a layer of peeled apple slices (generous thickness) and cranberries on top of the brown sugar mixture and before the cubed bread.
3. Add a layer of bananas for a “Banana Foster” French toast version.
Berry Manor Inn
81 Talbot Avenue
Rockland, Maine 04841
Reservations: 800 774-5692
Business line: 207 596-7696
For more information on upcoming events in Rockland, be sure to visit the four Historic Inns of Rockland.
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Where&WhatInTheWorld;
Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, “$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book”
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
