I love that Valentine's Day is on a Saturday this year. We are spending the day on the couch, sipping mimosas, watching TV, and... writing blog posts. Romantic, no? Actually, I couldn't be happier. I don't like to make a big deal out of this holiday. This year we decided to order take-out sushi and eat it from the comfort of our own home, along with a bottle of sake that Matt brought back from Japan.

I had to cook something festive and delicious for breakfast though. Heart-shaped french toast seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I kicked it up a notch by topping it with warmed berries. Yum.

Not wanting to waste anything, I used the bread scraps and the leftover custard mixture in individual bread puddings.

Adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook
Makes 2 servings

soft bread, slightly dried out, 6 slices if making cutouts, 4 slices if not
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp amaretto or orange liqueur
1/4 tsp cinnamon
pinch ground nutmeg

Using cookie cutters, cut out hearts (or other shapes) from the slices of bread, if desired.

Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, liqueur, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Heat a griddle over medium heat and grease with butter or cooking spray. Soak each slice of bread for about 30 seconds on each side, then place on hot griddle. Cook until bottom is browned, then flip and brown the other side.

Serve with maple syrup, warmed fruit, or anything else your heart desires. I put dollops of vanilla yogurt on mine and it was delicious.