French toast is a simple and delicious way to rescue stale bread. It has been around for some time and will, I am sure, stick around for a long time to come. French toast consists of slices of bread dipped into a beaten egg-milk mixture. These slices of batter coated bread are then placed on a frying pan or griddle and cooked until both sides are browned and the egg has cooked through.

French toast is not really French in origin and the recipe likely dates back to medieval times. It may have been invented simultaneously by different cultures. The term "French toast" was used in print in the U.S. as early as 1871. However the first written mention of the dish comes from the court of Henry V of England (1413-1422).

French toast has many names. In the United Kingdom it is often savory and known as either "eggy bread" or "Gypsy toast" or just "bread dipped in egg" in South East Wales. It is also sometimes known by the rather grand title of "Poor Knights of Windsor". In France it goes by pain perdu or 'lost bread' referring to bread that would otherwise be discarded as too old. In French-speaking parts of Canada it is pain doré.

French toast can be served with a variety of toppings, including maple syrup, butter, jam, peanut butter, honey, fruit syrup, molasses, apple sauce, whipped cream, fruit, chocolate, sugar, powdered sugar, marmalade, yogurt, and nuts.

In other parts of the world savory French toast is to be found. Some items used include tomato sauce, beans, beef, treacle, cheese (often with ham), bacon, gravy, lard, Marmite (a yeast extract), and duck fat (in Northern Ireland). Heating the oil or butter with chopped garlic, chilies or onions is another way to add savory flavor to the dish.

Mix the brown sugar with the cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in the milk and eggs and beat well to mix completely. Place the bread slices in a dish big enough to hold the slices in one layer. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and soak for several minutes. Turn the slices over and allow another few minutes till all the egg mixture is absorbed. Heat the griddle to medium to medium high heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and place the soaked bread slices on the griddle. Cook till browned and turn to brown the other side. When cooked through, serve with warm maple syrup and butter.