Ze quintessential French toast c'est perfect for tout les occasions. Zey can be spoken most proud-ment at ze Christenings, uttered weeth ze great joi at les marriages, and shouted from ze rooftops on ze Day of Bastille.

Ze best French toast eez always made weeth ze French wine, naturalment. Les favorites for les tres special occasions are Mouton Cadet (for ze tradition), Moet et Chadon (for ze sheer chic and les glamour), and ze saucy litle Charles Heidsich. Zis last has ze lovely nose and ze crisp bouquet, very clean and tres charmant weeth ze tres faint hint of ze apple vert (green).

...but, of course, ze very best, ze most perfect French toast, she ees ze tres romantic French toast. Zey may be made in ze Spring, ze Fall, even from ze top of ze Tower of Eiffel. Ze perfect romantic French toast, howevair, she ees best made on ze Left Bank of ze Seine, on ze perfect moonlit nuit, when ze scent of les roses hangs tres heavy in ze air, and les stars shine like ze diamonds een her eyes. Zen ees ze perfect moment.

Seriously, though, French toast is, without doubt, one of the most romantic, sensual culinary delights you can share with that special someone...and it was definitely created for sharing. The palate-pleasing combination of delicately crisp outside in delightful contrast to its warm, creamy, custard-like interior, is nigh on unbeatable.

French toast is both the un-challenged queen of the breakfast table - dappled with melting butter and drenched sweet maple syrup - and the perfect decadent finale to a candle-lit dinner for two, arriving topped with a delectable, seasonal fruit compote and sinful slathers of dark chocolate, graced with a single sprig of frosted grapes.

The first recipe I ever was taught for making French toast was so simple I nearly fell over in amazement. I was elated that something so good could be so easy to achieve.

You will need:

• A mixing bowl
  
• A fork
• A small whisk
  
• A spatula
• A skillet or heavy frying pan

Ingredients:

• several slices plain white bread
  
• 4 whole eggs, lightly whisked
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla
• a pinch of salt
  
• unsalted butter for frying
  

Whisk eggs to combine white and yolks. Whisk in milk, vanilla, and salt, beating lightly until frothy. Pour into glass cake pan or deep plate for ease of handling.

Melt a pat of unsalted butter in frying pan over medium heat. Do not brown the butter.

Dip bread into egg mixture. Turn with fork to coat both sides. Transfer to frying pan. After a few moments, lift one corner to check doneness. When done, flip to other side and toast to golden brown.

Remove to warmed plate, and serve immediately with fresh butter, the syrup of your choice, and a generous sprinkle of powdered confectioners sugar.

Other Toppings:

• sliced fresh strawberries
  
• any seasonal fresh berries
  
• brown sugar and sour cream
  
• home-made apple sauce and cinnamon
  
• whipped heavy cream with chocolate-dipped strawberries
  
• any fruit sundae topping with sliced bananas
  and a drizzle of chocolate

Serve with champagne cocktails, chilled wine and romantic music. You are only limited by your imagination. One of our family favorites calls for raisin bread, nutmeg, heavy cream instead of milk, and a splash of either Cointreau or Baileys Irish Cream, depending on the mood.

For a savory breakfast treat, try a cheese pinwheel bread and top with a generous dollop of sour cream, salsa, crumbled bacon, and fresh cilantro. Serve with broiled, mild Italian sausage.

Heart-healthy choices include substituting whole grain breads (a great source of fibre) for plain white bread, and low-fat, low-cholesterol alternatives such as using skim milk in the place of whole milk or cream, replacing whole eggs with an egg substitute, and serving low fat sour cream.

Using a light oil like Canola or Safflower Oil will also help you cut fats and cholesterol...and any fresh fruit is best served in season to minimize your eco-footprint.

Fresh fruit is always your best choice, but frozen with no sugar is also a tasty option for those winter months when your supply of fresh fruits is limited. Canned fruit is readily available but it is best to use only sugar-free, or light syrup. Simple changes can transform this decadent dainty into a hearty and heart-healthy dish.