Breakfast... it's what's for dinner!

  My favorite meal has to be breakfast. Not only because of it's benefits but also because it's good all day long! This week my roommates and I decided to make french toast for dinner. I found a really great recipe for a fun healthy twist on your usual french toast.

      This recipe uses a mixture of cornflakes and almonds to create a crispy texture. And the fun french toast fingers make them fun for dipping and perfect for kids to enjoy!
       Instead of using regular maple syrup for dipping, try dipping your french toast in some berry syrup! The syrup is made from mostly berries which helps cut the calories, and add in fiber, vitamins and minerals.  I used frozen berries in the syrup instead of fresh. In the winter it can be difficult to find fresh berries and if you can they tend to be expensive. Frozen fruit is a great alternative they are just as nutritious and less expensive!

Crispy French Toast Fingers with Berry Maple Sauce
Inspired by recipe in "Comfort Food Fix" cookbook
Servings: 4

French Toast
Ingredients
1 cup sliced almonds
3 cups cornflakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup low-fat (%1) milk
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nonstick cooking spray
4 large slices of whole grain/whole wheat bread, each piece cut crosswise to make 4 fingers each

Directions
1. In a food processor, pulse the almonds until coarsely ground. Add the corn flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and pulse the cornflakes. Transfer the cornflake mixture to a shallow bowl.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Spray a large nonstick skillet or griddle with cooking spray and preheat over medium heat. Working with one piece at a time, dip the bread into the egg mixture until completely moistened and coated but not falling apart, about 30 seconds each. Coat each slice of bread in the corn flake mixture, gently pressing it onto the bread.  Place each slice of bread in the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, turning once, until the outside is golden brown and the center is warm, about 6 minutes.

Nutrition Information: Calories 340, Total Fat 13g, Protein 14g, Carb 43g, Fiber 6g, Sodium 520 mg

Berry Sauce
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen(unsweetened) mixed berries
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon  orange juice

Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the berries, maple syrup, and orange juice. Bring to a gentile boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
2. Transfer the mixture to a blender, and blend until almost smooth.

Nutrition Information: Calories 50, Total Fat 0g, Protein 0g, Carb 13g, Fiber 3g