A delicious dessert version of a favorite New Orleans breakfast dish. Pain perdu translates as “lost bread,” but you’ll find that this is simply a type of French toast.

Serves 6.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2/3cup sugar
  • 1/2cup water
  • 2whole star anise
  • 1 1/2tablespoons orange liqueur
  • 9apricots, halved, pitted1/2cup whole milk
  • 6large eggs
  • 61/2-inch-thick slices egg bread4tablespoons (1/2 stick) butterpowdered sugar

    DIRECTIONS

    Stir 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and star anise in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Add orange liqueur. Simmer until syrupy, about 3 minutes. Add apricots and cook until apricots soften, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and keep warm. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium-low heat before using.)


    Whisk milk and eggs in 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Add bread in single layer. Let stand until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes per side.


    Cook 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until butter begins to foam. Add 3 bread slices to skillet and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to warm platter. Repeat with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 3 bread slices.

    Divide pain perdu among 6 plates. Spoon warm apricots and syrup over, discarding star anise. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.