Pain Perdu with Fresh Strawberries (Low Fat)

(4 servings) Printable Version

3/4 cup 2% reduced fat milk
2 tablespoons sugar - divided
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs - beaten
8 (1 ounce) slices diagonally cut day old French bread (about 1 inch thick)
2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
4 teaspoons butter - divided
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
low-fat whipped topping (optional)

Whisk together milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, salt and eggs in a large bowl. Place bread slices in a 13 x 9 inch baking dish; pour egg mixture over the bread and turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes, flipping occasionally until all the egg is absorbed by the bread.

Combine strawberries with the remaining sugar and orange zest and let stand 20 minutes.

Melt 2 teaspoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 4 bread slices to the pan and brown for 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Repeat procedure with the remaining butter and bread.

Place 2 slices of bread on each plate. Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar, then top with 1/2 cup of the strawberry mixture. If desired, top with low fat whipped topping.