CINNAMON RAISIN FRENCH TOAST CRUNCH
WHAT'S IN IT
· 6 free range organic eggs
· 10 pieces Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin bread (thawed)
· 1 ½ cups almond milk (or your favorite nondairy milk)
· 1 T vanilla
Juice of 1/2 an orange
· 1 t ceylon cinnamon
· 1/2 t sea salt
· ¼ t nutmeg
· 1 cup walnuts - halved or chopped
· 2 thinly sliced apples
· Coconut oil to grease pan, and to serve with maple syrup
HOW TO MAKE IT
1. Beat eggs. Add almond milk, vanilla, orange juice, cinnamon, sea salt and nutmeg and mix.
2. Oil bottom and sides of a 9” baking dish
3. Break 5 slices of room temp Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin bread into bite size pieces. Place in pan, covering the bottom.
4. Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread. Layer with slices of one apple. Sprinkle walnuts over apples. Press gently together.
5. Repeat with another layer of bread, egg mixture, the second sliced apple, and walnuts. Press gently, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
7. Bake (covered in tin foil) at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil in last five - ten minutes. Bake til brown and bubbly.
8. Serve with pure maple syrup, or melted coconut oil mixed with pure maple syrup (ratio to your liking)
WHY IT'S HEALTHY
Eggs have a bad reputation for their high cholesterol content. But eggs help regulate the two different kinds of cholesterol in the body. They are a great protein source with a complete amino acid profile. They also help improve eye health and keep your skin healthy. Apples are high in fiber, a good source of vitamin C, and help prevent inflammation. Ezekiel bread, technically vegetables, contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than whole grains. Phytic acid (a natural substance found in plant seeds which impairs the absorption of iron, zinc and calcium, and may promote mineral deficiencies) is destroyed when the grain sprouts, so the body is able to absorb the nutrients in these grains. Coconut oil reduces inflammation, helps boost the immune system, improves the LDL:HDL ratio, and improves energy and endurance. Maple syrup has high levels of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Cinnamon is a proven anti-inflammatory. Walnuts are a great source of omega-3s; they support heart health, fight heart disease, and are a terrific brain food. Nutmeg helps improve mood and can help skin stay taut.
