Introduction: Ring in 2018 with a Sweet Breakfast Ritual
Hey guys! Let’s be real—saying goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018 deserves a little celebration, right? And what better way to start the new year than with a cozy, delicious breakfast that feels special? Today, I’m sharing my go-to “Hello 2018” chocolate French toast recipe. It’s easy, indulgent, and looks way fancier than it actually is. Perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of magic to their morning without spending hours in the kitchen!
Trust me, even if you’re not a morning person, this recipe will change your mind. The crispy exterior, the soft, buttery inside, and that rich chocolate drizzle… it’s like a hug in every bite. Plus, writing “Hello 2018” on it? Total Instagram-worthy moment. Let’s get started!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
First, let’s gather the ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, so you probably already have them! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 slices of bread (I love using regular white bread, but brioche works too if you want extra richness!)
- Chocolate spread (Nutella, Hershey’s, or any chocolate jam you like—go for the creamy kind!)
- 1 large egg (room temperature is best, but if you’re in a pinch, cold works too)
- A splash of milk (about 2-3 tablespoons—just enough to make the batter smooth)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (adds a subtle sweetness, but skip it if you’re not a honey fan!)
- 10 grams of butter (for frying—this is non-negotiable for that golden, crispy crust)
Step-by-Step: Making the “Hello 2018” French Toast
Okay, let’s dive into the recipe! This is super simple, even if you’re a kitchen newbie. Let’s break it down into easy steps.
Step 1: Prep the Bread & Trim the Crusts
First, take your two slices of bread and trim off the crusts. I know, some people love crusts, but trust me—removing them makes the French toast softer inside and gives it a neater look. If you’re feeling lazy, you can leave the crusts on, but trimming is worth it for that “restaurant-quality” vibe. Once trimmed, set the bread aside.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Now, crack the egg into a shallow bowl or plate. Add the milk and honey, then whisk everything together until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the bread but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a splash of flour (though you probably won’t need that!).
Step 3: Assemble the Chocolate-Filled Sandwich
Take one of the trimmed bread slices and spread a generous layer of chocolate spread on it. I’m talking about a thick, even layer—you want every bite to have that chocolatey goodness! Then, top it with the second bread slice to make a sandwich. Press gently so the chocolate sticks a bit, but don’t press too hard or you’ll squish the bread.
Step 4: Dip the Sandwich in the Batter
Now, dip the chocolate-filled sandwich into the batter. Make sure both sides are coated evenly—you don’t want too much batter on one side, but enough to make it soft and creamy inside. Let any excess batter drip off before placing it into the pan. Trust me, this is the secret to that perfect texture!
Step 5: Fry the French Toast to Crispy Perfection
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely—don’t rush this! The butter needs to be hot enough to create that golden crust but not so hot that it burns. Once the butter is foamy and melted, carefully place the dipped sandwich into the pan.
Cook on medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s a beautiful golden brown. Then, flip it over and cook the other sides! Remember, we’re aiming for all six sides to be golden—so that includes the top, bottom, and the four sides of the sandwich. Keep the heat low to prevent burning; high heat will make the outside crispy before the inside is done.
Once all sides are golden and crispy, remove the French toast from the pan and set it on a plate. Let it cool for a minute or two—this will make it easier to slice without the chocolate melting everywhere!
Step 6: Decorate with “Hello 2018” Chocolate
Now, let’s make it festive! Grab your chocolate spread again (or use a bar of dark chocolate if you prefer). Put the chocolate in a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off) and melt it in a double boiler: fill a small pot with water, bring it to a simmer, then set the chocolate-filled bag over the pot. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is smooth and pourable.
Once the chocolate is melted, take the cooled French toast and slice it diagonally into two triangles. Now, cut a tiny hole in the tip of the piping bag (or the corner of the zip-top bag). Squeeze the chocolate out slowly to write “Hello 2018” on the top of the French toast. It doesn’t have to be perfect—handwritten looks more personal anyway!
And there you go! A beautiful, festive breakfast that says “2018, here we come!”
Step 7: Add the Final Touch – “Life Needs Rituals!”
Let’s be real—this isn’t just food. It’s a little moment of self-care and celebration. Eating this on New Year’s Eve or the first day of 2018 will make you feel like you’re starting the year off right. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got the coziest, most Instagrammable breakfast ever!
Pro tip: If you’re making this on December 31st, it’s the perfect way to end 2017 with a sweet treat. And if you’re making it on January 1st, it’s a great way to start 2018 with a smile. Either way, enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Customizing Your French Toast
Don’t feel stuck with chocolate! This recipe is super versatile. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Swap chocolate spread: Use strawberry jam, blueberry jam, peanut butter, or even Nutella for a different flavor. My personal favorite is Nutella with banana slices inside!
- Brioche bread: If you want extra richness, use brioche instead of regular bread. It’s buttery and makes the French toast even more indulgent.
- Skip honey: If you’re not a honey fan, use maple syrup instead in the batter. It adds a nice, sweet flavor without the stickiness.
- Extra chocolate drizzle: If you want more chocolate, melt an extra chocolate bar and drizzle it over the top. Or even make a chocolate sauce to dip it in!
And remember, the “Hello 2018” part is just the start! You can write any message you want—“Happy New Year,” “Cheers to 2018,” or even your name. It’s all about making the moment special.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for New Year’s
Let’s be honest—2017 might have had its ups and downs, but this breakfast will make you feel like you’re leaving the old year with a sweet memory and stepping into 2018 with hope. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating a little ritual that reminds you to slow down and appreciate life’s small joys. Plus, who doesn’t love a golden, crispy French toast with chocolate drizzle?
So, whether you’re eating this alone, with friends, or family, this “Hello 2018” chocolate French toast is the perfect way to ring in the new year. Tag me if you make it—I’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to save this recipe for next year’s New Year’s breakfast too.
Happy 2018, everyone! May it be full of sweet moments, delicious food, and lots of love. Now go make that breakfast—your taste buds will thank you!
