Pistachio French Toast Sticks: A Crunchy & Sweet Breakfast Treat

### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pistachio Coating:**
Start by preparing the crunchy pistachio coating. In a small bowl, mix the finely chopped pistachios with granulated sugar. You can use a food processor or a rolling pin to chop the pistachios finely, or even pulse them until they form coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside.

2. **Whisk the French Toast Batter:**
In a shallow bowl or pie dish, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk or cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This mixture is what will coat the bread and give it that sweet, creamy base flavor.

3. **Prepare the Bread:**
Cut the slices of bread into thick strips (about 1 inch wide). If you’re using a slightly stale loaf, it will absorb the egg mixture more evenly. Fresh bread works too, but slightly stale bread helps the French toast sticks stay crispier once cooked.

4. **Coat the French Toast Sticks:**
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. While the pan is heating, dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll the coated bread stick in the pistachio and sugar mixture until it’s well-covered in the crunchy pistachio pieces.

5. **Cook the French Toast Sticks:**
Place the coated French toast sticks on the hot skillet or griddle. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft interior. Add more butter as needed for cooking to ensure each stick is evenly browned.

6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the French toast sticks are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. You can dust them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness or drizzle with maple syrup or honey for that perfect breakfast finish. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream are great additions to add color and a burst of freshness.

### **Why This Recipe Works:**

The combination of soft, pillowy bread and crunchy pistachio coating creates a satisfying contrast that makes these French toast sticks stand out. The pistachios add a nutty richness and a subtle saltiness that perfectly balance the sweet cinnamon-egg batter. The crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior provide the ultimate comfort food experience, making these French toast sticks feel extra special.

### **Why You’ll Love These Pistachio French Toast Sticks:**

– **Crunchy and Sweet:** The pistachio coating adds a satisfying crunch to the classic French toast, while the cinnamon and vanilla flavors make every bite warm and comforting.
– **Fun to Eat:** Cutting the French toast into sticks makes it a fun, finger-food breakfast, perfect for kids and adults alike. You can dip them into syrup or powdered sugar for added flavor.
– **Easy to Make:** With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make these French toast sticks in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for a busy morning or a weekend brunch.
– **Versatile:** The pistachio coating is customizable. If you prefer a different nut, you can use chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also switch up the spices with nutmeg, cardamom, or even a little cocoa powder for a different twist.

### **Tips for Perfect Pistachio French Toast Sticks:**

– **Bread Choice:** For the best French toast, use thick slices of brioche, challah, or Texas toast. These breads are slightly sweeter and absorb the egg mixture beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful base.

– **Flavor Add-ins:** You can add a splash of almond extract or orange zest to the batter for extra flavor depth. A pinch of salt in the batter can help bring out the sweetness of the sugar and pistachios.

– **Make-Ahead Option:** If you want to prep ahead, you can prepare the egg mixture and pistachio coating the night before. Then, all you need to do in the morning is coat and cook the bread slices for a quick breakfast.

– **Serving Ideas:** These French toast sticks are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of crispy bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. Add a handful of fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a sweet finishing touch.

### **Conclusion:**

Pistachio French toast sticks are a perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors that make for an unforgettable breakfast treat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to indulge in a delightful morning meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its satisfying texture, rich flavors, and versatility, it’s a breakfast you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab some bread and pistachios, and get ready to enjoy a decadent start to your day!