National French Toast Day

The story

National French Toast Day, celebrated on November 28th, honors the iconic breakfast dish with a rich history dating back almost 2,000 years. Its roots trace to ancient Rome, where a dish called “Aliter Dulcia” involved soaking crustless white bread in a mixture of milk and eggs before frying and drizzling with honey. In medieval Europe, a similar dish known as “poor knight's pudding” provided a frugal yet filling meal.

Contrary to the name, French toast is a misnomer, as it is called “pain perdu” or “lost bread” in France, highlighting its ability to revive stale bread. Joseph French, an innkeeper in Albany, New York, is credited with introducing French toast to the United States in 1724. The dish gained popularity in 17th-century England, and the term “French toast” is believed to originate from the Old Irish verb “to French,” meaning “to slice.”

Fun facts about French toast include its occasional serving with ketchup in Great Britain and its Scottish version as a sausage sandwich. The dish has evolved globally, with variations like the Italian version featuring mozzarella cheese and the Creole variation adding whiskey to the egg and milk mixture. National French Toast Day is a delightful occasion to savor the diverse history and adaptations of this beloved breakfast treat.