Mamma's Pane di Cannella

Description:

Mamma's Pane di Cannella

Ingredients:

This is the Italian version of French Toast - Mamma used to make it with thick-cut slices of Panettone bread, the sweet round loaf studded with dried fruits that can easily be found in most gourmet markets. If you don't have access to Panettone, a nice sweet challa bread or even a good sourdough will work just fine.

Prepare:

• 6-8 thick slices of freshly baked bread (see notes above)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Sweet Butter Mix*

Sweet Butter Mix:

1/4 cup chopped dates
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1/2 cup butter, cubed and softened
Several drops of orange water or vanilla

How to Serve:

In a deep bowl, combine the eggs, cream, cinnamon, vanilla, orange juice, and sugar, whipping with a wire wisk to blend thoroughly. Dip bread slices in the batter, turning side to side to coat completely.

Heat a heavy non-stick skillet over medium-high flame and place bread slices in the pan, one or two at a time, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the middles are golden brown and the edges are crispy. Remove to a plate; dust with powdered sugar and spoon one tablespoon of Sweet Butter Mix into the middle. Serve immediately.

Sweet Butter Mix:
Blend all the ingredients together until they form a paste. You can substitute dried apricots, dried figs or other favorite for the dates, if desired.