French Bread Griddle Cakes. Mrs. R. H. Johnson. Recipe

French Bread Griddle Cakes

History and Fun Facts:
French Bread Griddle Cakes, also known as "pain perdu" or "lost bread," have a rich history that dates back to medieval times. Originally, this recipe was created as a way to make use of stale bread by soaking it in a mixture of milk and eggs. This dish quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, affordability, and delicious taste.

Pain perdu was a popular dish among working-class individuals who couldn't afford to waste food. Over time, this frugal recipe made its way into French culinary culture and became a staple in households across the country. Today, French Bread Griddle Cakes are enjoyed not only in France but all around the world.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 pint bread crumbs (made from day-old French bread)
- 1 pint milk, scalded
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups or less all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup or less butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, place the bread crumbs and pour the scalded milk over them. Mix gently, ensuring all the bread crumbs are coated with milk. Let the mixture sit overnight, allowing the bread crumbs to absorb the milk and form a batter-like consistency.

2. In the morning, beat the eggs in a separate bowl until well combined. Add the beaten eggs to the bread crumb mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

3. Gradually add the flour to the batter, mixing well after each addition. The exact amount of flour may vary; add enough to achieve a thick but pourable batter consistency. The batter should not be too runny or too stiff.

4. Heat a griddle or a large frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the griddle and let it melt.

5. Using a ladle or a large spoon, drop portions of the batter onto the hot griddle, forming round pancake shapes. Cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip the griddle cakes and cook for another minute or until golden brown.

6. Remove the griddle cakes from the griddle and keep them warm while you cook the remaining batter. You may need to add more butter to the griddle between batches to prevent sticking.

7. Serve the French Bread Griddle Cakes warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

French Toast - Another popular dish that uses stale bread, French Toast is made by dipping slices of bread into a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then frying them until golden brown. French Toast is a versatile and delicious breakfast option that can be served with various toppings, just like French Bread Griddle Cakes.

Bread Pudding - Bread pudding is a classic dessert that also utilizes day-old bread. In this recipe, bread is soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and other flavors like vanilla or cinnamon, then baked until set. Bread pudding can be served warm or cold and is often topped with sweet sauces or whipped cream.

In summary, French Bread Griddle Cakes are a delightful breakfast treat that originated from the need to make use of stale bread. With a history dating back to medieval times, these griddle cakes have become a beloved dish in France and beyond. Soaking bread crumbs in scalded milk and combining them with eggs and flour forms a batter that is then cooked on a griddle. Serve these griddle cakes with your favorite toppings and enjoy a taste of history and tradition.