French Toast Sticks

French toast sticks are the classic use for dry bread, so use whatever you have. Its not necessary to buy bread just for this recipe. For the lowest cost, freeze bread stale slices until you have enough for a batch.

Ingredients

10 slices thick-sliced white bread

1 qt (about) vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

3 Tbsp butter or margarine

3 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

1. Cut crusts off each slice of bread. Slice bread into 3 or 4 sticks. Heat 2 inches oil in a kettle or in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to 375 F, or until a bread cube browns in 1 minute.

2. Meanwhile, combine eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Dip 4 bread sticks into mixture, then lift out immediately, letting excess drip back into bowl.

3. Fry sticks in kettle, turning frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining bread sticks. Sift confectioners sugar over toast sticks.

4. Beat butter, cream cheese and maple syrup in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Spoon dip into a small bowl. Serve with toast sticks.