Kid-friendly recipe: Beginner’s French Toast

Since growing up in Amish Country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Executive Chef Wyatt Lash has always been willing to go the extra mile to get his hands on local, farm-fresh ingredients.  Taking his insatiable taste for honest food and connecting with surrounding communities, Chef Wyatt went on to earn his certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts from Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, and then to work at and eventually serve as Executive Chef at The Whip Tavern in Chester County, PA.

Opening the Commoner and the Biergarten in Pittsburgh in 2015, he now heads up the kitchens, incorporating twists on a classic gastropub menu that highlight products from surrounding farms and areas. If he’s not busy cooking, you may find him out hiking on one of the local trails or checking out what’s new in the Pittsburgh restaurant world.

The Commoner will host a visit with Santa from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 17. Pancakes with Santa includes holiday brunch specials, live reindeer on the roof,  decorating, ornament making, a hot cocoa bar, plus holiday cocktails for the grownups. Kids 3 and younger are free, older kids are $18, adults are $38. Make reservations online or at 412-230-4800.

Beginners’ French Toast from Executive Chef Wyatt Lash

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar in the raw
4 tablespoons butter
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices white bread
1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions
In a small bowl, combine, cinnamon, and sugar and set aside briefly.
Whisk together cinnamon mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour into a shallow container such as a casserole dish. In a large skillet, with adult supervision, melt butter over medium heat. Dip slices of bread in egg mixture so coated on both sides. Place bread in pan and fry slices until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side). Flip to cook the other side. Serve with syrup and enjoy!