Have you ever heard of Brick Toast? I honestly didn't know about it until a recent trip to Taiwan over the holidays. This version is a cross between a Melon Pan and Bostock, and is often found in bubble tea shops. You start with a thick slice of Milk Bread, Shokupan, or Brioche. The bread is scored in a criss cross fashion, then a milk powder custard is spread over the top. By scoring the bread, the custard melts into the bread evenly and you can pull off the pieces easily and enjoy. All of this gets toasted to a golden brown and makes a delicious treat to enjoy anytime of the day.
I put my own twist on this popular snack which is absolutely delicious on its own, and even better with your favorite toppings. I added orange zest and almond flour to the custard topping and it was an absolute win. Some popular toppings are honey, chocolate and condensed milk. My go to is whipped cream, blueberry compote and a sprinkling of almonds. I love the flavor and texture contrast. The best part is it's easy, quick and can be dressed up to look like a fancy dessert.
TAIWANESE STYLE BRICK TOAST
(Makes 8 slices)
INGREDIENTS
1 loaf of Milk Bread, Shokupan or Brioche (large enough it cut 8 1-inch slices)
1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
1 egg, room temp
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk powder
1/4 cup almond flour
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
(TOPPINGS)
whipped cream
melted chocolate or Nutella
condensed milk
honey
fresh fruit
blueberry compote, recipe to follow
chopped nuts
ice cream or gelato
For the blueberry compote, place 1 pint of blueberries, with 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1 tablespoon sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside and cool slightly before serving.
METHOD
Preheat oven to 350F. Mix the butter, egg, sugar, milk powder, almond flour, zest, vanilla and salt until smooth and combined. Make 2 cuts in each slice of bread lengthwise then 2 cuts across being careful not to cut all the way through. Spread an equal amount of custard on each piece of bread making sure to cover the top completely. Place the slices on 2 parchment lined sheet pans. Toast for 5-6 minutes, then place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.
TIPS
Make the toast as simple or elaborate as you want. It can be served for a snack/breakfast or transform it to a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
Omit the almond flour to make it nut free.
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