Lamington French Toast

I dont know about you but Lamingtons are a part of my very fond memories of birthday parties, picnics and all things related to growing up in Australia.

For those of you who are thinking Lamingtons.. what the? A lamington is a traditional Australian dessert. It consists of two squares of sponge cake sandwiched together with jam in the middle. The sponge is then coated with a delicious layer of chocolate and rolled in coconut. Voila!! On a special occasion, and when made to eat fresh, the lamington will usually also contain a healthy dollop of cream in the centre much to your taste-buds' delight.

Now that we are all on the same page, let me introduce you to a completely new approach to Australia's favorite cake. I must give credit where it is due; Miss Jackson in St Kilda introduced me to the idea and I could not resist trying to develop my own recipe...

Low and behold.... The Lamington French Toast! Please hold all applause until the end.

This dessert treat is the ultimate mouth watering indulgence. It is so incredibly more-ish. I could not stop eating it. Two layers of delicous brioche french toast, sandwiched together with jam in the centre, coated in chocolate sauce and sprinkled with coconut. Served with a healthy scoop of ice cream.

Lamington French Toast (makes two serves)

4 slices brioche (or thick, sweet-ish bread)
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
3 cups icing sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup of boiling water
Strawberry Jam
1 cup desiccated coconut
vanilla or coconut ice-cream

In a bowl whisk together the eggs and milk. Melt a small amount of butter in a fry-pan on medium heat. Soak a slice of brioche in the mixture then place in fry-pan. Fry until golden on each side.
Repeat for each slice.

Spread strawberry jam thickly over two of the slices of french toast then place another slice on top of each to make a sandwich.

In a heatproof bowl sift together the icing sugar and cocoa powder. Add the butter and boiling water and mix until a reasonably thick sauce has formed. If the mixture is very runny, simply add some more icing sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Spread chocolate sauce over your french toast sandwich until it is fully covered. Cover with desiccated coconut.

Add a scoop of your chosen ice cream on the side and try not to get chocolate all over your clothing as you devour this fantastic Australian dessert!

Making some french toast

Mix together water, chocolate, sugar and butter

Happy Baking!!!!