Delicious Torrejas

Torrejas is a delicious dessert, which originates from Spain.  Due to the spanish migration in Cuba, it became one of Cuba's signature desserts.  To tell you that it's delicious, is an understatement. Some compare it to french toast; I can see the similarity, but  the taste cannot be compared.  Let's just say that if I was granted a last meal, torrejas would definitely be part of the menu.  My bread of choice is challah, because it's egg based, therefore, absorbs the milk mixture more efficiently.  Torrejas should be consumed cold, however, I can't wait and usually have my first one at room temperature.


                                                                      Torrejas

Ingredients:                                       Yield: 12 servings

1 challah bread

1 can evaporated milk

3 egg yolks

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup white wine

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil



Syrup

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Rind of one lime

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cinnamon stick

Directions:  Start with syrup, that way it will be at room temperature at time of use.  In a saucepan, add all ingredients, stir; bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.

Directions for torrejas:

Remove crust from bread and cut into 1 inch slices; set aside.  In medium shallow bowl, whisk milk, yolks, sugar, wine, vanilla, and cinnamon. In separate bowl, beat 4 eggs; set aside.
1. Submerge bread slices into milk mixture
2. Submerge bread slices into beaten eggs
3. In a skillet, at medium high temperature, fry bread slices in oil ( a few at a time).
Have serving platter ready for fried torrejas as you make them.  When all torrejas have been fried, add the syrup, and refrigerate for approximately three hours.

Disfruten!