# Components:
→ French Toast
01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 cup eggnog
04 - 1/4 cup whole milk
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - Pinch of salt
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
→ Decoration & Assembly
11 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
12 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
13 - 1/2 cup fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries)
14 - Maple syrup (for serving)
15 - Star-shaped fruit or cookie (optional, for topping)
16 - Toothpicks or small skewers
# Method:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
02 - Add brioche or challah cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Allow to soak for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all sides absorb the custard.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add soaked bread cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed for each batch.
04 - Transfer cooked French toast bites to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess butter.
05 - On a large serving platter, arrange the French toast bites in concentric circles, stacking upward to form a tree shape. Use toothpicks or skewers to secure the structure if necessary.
06 - Insert fresh rosemary sprigs between the bites to mimic tree branches. Adorn with fresh berries as ornaments and place a star-shaped fruit or cookie at the top if desired.
07 - Dust the tree with powdered sugar to resemble snow and serve immediately with maple syrup on the side.
