Crunchy Hazelnut French Toast

So here is one of the BEST French Toast recipes I have ever made and so easy to make.   I made a custard type French Toast and to give it a crunch I used crushed cornflakes with the Fresh From Oregon taste of ground hazelnuts.  The outside has a sweet crunchy taste with a soft and smooth center.  Great for your next weekend brunch…

Crunchy Hazelnut French Toast
6 thick slices Challah bread
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash nutmeg
3 cups cornflakes
2 tablespoons Oregon hazelnuts, ground
Butter for cooking

In a medium bowl whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, salt and nutmeg.  Place bread slices in shallow baking dish and pour egg mixture over the bread making sure both sides are covered with the egg mixture.  Cover and let sit for 10 minutes.  In plastic bag place the cornflakes and ground hazelnuts and with your hands crush to small pieces.  Pour into a shallow bowl.  Preheat a griddle* on medium-high temperature and add the butter right before you cook the french toast.  Also preheat your oven to 350 degrees.   Dip the pieces of egg soaked bread into the cornflakes pressing into both sides and place on the buttered griddle.  Fry until golden brown on both sides and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Once you have them all brown place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.  Serve immediately with some maple syrup and butter.  I also like to sprinkle on some powdered sugar.

* If you do not have a griddle a cast iron skillet works great and it gives it that golden crisp taste.