As I’ve written about before, our favorite breakfast seems to be some sort of smoothie.  I can load the blender up with a creative array of fruits and vegetables, and we all very happily enjoy a very healthy start to our day.  Unfortunately, the glass jar to our blender broke, and while I try to decide what to do about it (buy a replacement jar? upgrade to a Vitamix?) we’re starting our days with more traditional breakfasts like pancakes or eggs.  Sometimes I have a salad just because I’m in the mood for it.

This morning I opened the fridge searching for inspiration.  We had some sourdough bread and strawberries.  In the pantry was a jar of Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread (kinda like Nutella).  I put all those ingredients together to make one ridiculously indulgent breakfast that was reminiscent of a ridiculously indulgent dessert.  As soon as Mack spied what I was up to he scooted a chair up to the counter so he could help out by swiping errant licks of chocolate spread.

My Nutella and strawberry french toast sandwiches were obscenely gooey, deliciously messy and delightfully melty.  It was a breakfast that kept us full and quite content until lunch.  I have a feeling the kids might request it more often than their regular smoothies!

Nutella & Strawberry French Toast Sandwiches

1/4 cup whipping cream (or regular milk if that’s all you have)

2 eggs

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract (here’s how to make homemade vanilla extract)

8 slices bread (I used a hearty sourdough)

several strawberries, sliced

Nutella or a similar chocolate spread

Heat a large skillet (I much prefer cast iron) over medium heat.

In a wide dish, whisk the cream, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla.  Set aside.

Spread each bread slice with a good smear of Nutella.  Top four slices with a single layer of strawberries and top with the remaining slices to form four sandwiches.

One at a time, gently coat both sides of each sandwich in the egg mixture.

Add some coconut oil or butter to the skillet.  Lay in a sandwich and cook till its brown and crispy.  Carefully flip.  Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

Serve to a very happy family!