Orange-Vanilla French Toast with Honey-Ricotta and Fresh Strawberries

Do I really need to say anything about this?

I mean, come on, doesn't the picture say enough?

Okay, okay, I'll explain it a little. The inspiration from this French toast comes from a very lovely restaurant in Berkeley called Fillipo's. It's a great little Italian place that has a wonderful weekend brunch. Their Grand Marnier French Toast is the star of the brunch menu. I don't get it every time, but when I do, I am in pure breakfast bliss.

This is my attempt to recreate their dish. It's nearly as wonderful as their version. The batter is rich and flavorful and makes the toast sing with orange and vanilla undertones. The honey-ricotta is the perfect compliment. And the fresh strawberries pair with the orange famously. It's an elegant breakfast to feed company or perfect to treat yourself. I can't imagine a better sight to wake-up to.

Orange-Vanilla French Toast with Honey-Ricotta and Fresh Strawberries
Inspired by Fillipo's Grand Marnier French toast -- Serves two
Four slices of day-old thick French bread* or other soft, white bread such as challah (if the bread is not day old, lightly toast it)
2 eggs
1/2 cup half and half or milk
Pinch of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2 teaspoon of orange zest, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon of orange juice
Splash of Grand Marnier
1/4 cup (or more depending on your taste) of ricotta cheese
About 3 teaspoons orange-blossom honey (or any other good quality honey)
Fresh strawberries, sliced

1. Beat together eggs, half and half, cinnamon, vanilla, orange zest, orange juice, and Grand Marnier in a bowl. Pour mixture into a shallow plate. Soak bread slices in mixture, a few minutes on each side, until most of the liquid is absorbed.

2. Heat two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When butter is melted and hot, add soaked break slices. Cook until golden brown, 4-5 minutes on each side.

3. Meanwhile, mix ricotta cheese and 1 teaspoon of honey in a bowl. Set aside.

4. When French toast is fully cooked, remove from skillet and slice each piece in half. Arrange on two serving plates. Top each piece with ricotta cheese a strawberries. Drizzle with remaining honey. Sprinkle orange zest over the top and serve immediately.

*Don't use a baguette. When I say French bread, I'm talking about that soft, fluffy bread that's often used for garlic bread. Any soft, spongey bread will do.