PART ONE

PAIN PERDUE

Literally, Lost Bread – in the UK known as French Toast. Serves 8.

3 eggs

200ml milk

1 teaspoon orange-flower water

20g golden caster sugar

ground nutmeg, to taste

80g unsalted butter

8 slices bread or brioche

icing sugar, sieved

In a large bowl or a concave plate, beat the eggs, then add the milk, orange-flower water, sugar and nutmeg. Mix well.

Melt the butter in a frying pan, taking care not to let it burn. Dip the slices of bread into the mixture until they are well covered, then drop them into the melted butter. Fry until golden, turning at least once.

Serve after sprinkling with sieved icing sugar. Add fruit, lemon juice or jam to suit your taste.