We're heading to California the first week of January and you can be sure we'll be bringing home some California Sunshine. National French Toast Day is November 28. Enjoy this French toast any time you can get your hands on some awesome, fresh oranges
Remember the orange popsicle filled with vanilla ice cream? Who didn’t love them then and who doesn’t still love them now? On our return trips from California we always stop at the Heath Ranch for Organic Oranges to use in Orange Ricotta Pancakes, Fresh Orange Smoothies, Fruit Salads and more. A creamy French Toast with a lovely Challah we picked up at Pine Street Bakery in Hood River. Makes the best French Toast and when combined with cream cheese, vanilla and orange, a dreamy Creamy Orange French Toast
Let's begin
In a small bowl cream together 1/2 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp sugar and 4 oz softened cream cheese
In another bowl Whip together:
3 large eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
zest from a orange
juice from that orange
cup of milk
2 Tbsp heavy cream
2 tsp sugar
Spread the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread.
I like to lay the sandwiches on a cookie sheet where the milk and egg mixture has been poured, flipping them after about 5 minutes. The type of bread you are using will determine how long to soak. Dryer bread a little longer that a very moist bread like Challah. Fry on a hot griddle until golden, about 3-5 minutes on each side.
Meanwhile, combine fresh orange juice from half an orange, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and a half teaspoon of orange zest in a small sauce pot. Bring to simmer and take off heat.
Serve piping hot garnished with thinly slices oranges and a dusting of powdered sugar.
You can adjust this recipe to satisfy dietary needs. I’ve used coconut or almond milk for lactose intolerant guests. A Vanilla Soy Creamer adds flavor. There are some very good non dairy cream cheese products available.
Reserve your Stay
Let us be home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and Mt Hood National Forest. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with a glass of wine from a bottle you picked up at a local winery or our wine cabinet. We can even have a bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
Outdoor adventures such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the vast Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound. We've created some enticing packages for your Stay Play and Ski Vacation on Mt Hood. During the summer months stay at the Inn and take advantage of our partnership with Wet Planet Whitewater to receive $10 your raft adventure.
We’re taking reservations with our promise of a safe and great escape. Thank you for trusting us to be your home away from home. We’ve posted our Hospitality and Health Update on our website. Purchase a gift certificate for yourself or a loved one.
We invite you to read online reviews for the Old Parkdale Inn. And then we encourage you to go directly to our website and Book Direct: for all the right reasons.
Reserve your Stay Now
We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.