# Components:
→ French Toast
01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 cup eggnog
04 - 1/4 cup whole milk
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - Pinch of salt
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
→ Decoration & Assembly
11 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
12 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches)
13 - 1/2 cup fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries)
14 - Maple syrup (for serving)
15 - Star-shaped fruit or cookie (optional, for tree topper)
16 - Toothpicks or small skewers
# Method:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
02 - Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss until evenly coated. Let soak for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure thorough absorption.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the soaked bread cubes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed per batch.
04 - Transfer cooked French toast bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess butter.
05 - On a large serving platter, arrange the French toast bites in concentric circles and stack them to form a tree shape. Use toothpicks or skewers for stability as needed.
06 - Insert fresh rosemary sprigs between the bites to resemble tree branches. Garnish with fresh berries as ornaments. Optionally, place a star-shaped fruit or cookie on top to serve as a tree topper.
07 - Dust the assembled tree with powdered sugar to simulate snow and serve immediately with maple syrup on the side.
