What do you get for the Father that has everything?  I go through that every year for my Dad and Hubby.  There is not much they want or need so I go for food.  One of my favorite ways to start Father’s Day is with my lightened Creme Brulee French Toast.  You can put it together the night before and bake it in the morning.  My daughter and I can bring up a tray with this delicious breakfast for a special treat.

I first came upon a recipe for Creme Brulee French Toast in Gourmet magazine.  I had been making it for years but with a stick of butter and half and half, it isn’t exactly heart healthy.  I decided to try to lighten it and see if I could rescue it.  I was so happy that with a few modifications, it was perfect and heart healthy.  I can happily serve it to my husband for Father’s Day morning.

Lightened Creme Brulee French Toast

Serves 8

1 stick (1/2 cup) light butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
1 12″ french baguette
2 large eggs
3/4 cup egg substitute or equivalent to 3 eggs
1 1/2 cups vanilla coconut creamer or soy creamer
1 tbsp. Grand Marnier
1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1. Spray a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, sugar and corn syrup  Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth.  Pour the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Place slices of bread into a single layer into the baking dish.  Squeeze in the bread so it fits tightly together.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg substitute, creamer, Grand Marnier and salt.
5. Pour mixture evenly over the bread.  Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
6. Take off the foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until French toast is puffed and slightly golden.
7. Serve immediately.  There is no need for syrup.  The delicious caramel is all you need.

Nutritional value per serving:

Calories 319    Fat 10 grams    Carbs 52 grams    Fiber 1 gram    Protein 7 grams