Directions
FOR FRENCH TOAST:
WHISK together eggs, evaporated milk, butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt in a medium bowl. Slice 8 pieces of bread 1-inch thick on the diagonal to 6-inch lengths. Place bread in a flat-bottomed shallow dish. Pour egg mixture over bread and turn bread to coat evenly. Let soak for 2 minutes. Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 4 slices of the bread and cook on each side until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining bread.
FOR CINNAMON VANILLA SAUCE:
COMBINE sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon sticks in medium saucepan. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes just to a boil and slightly thickens. Remove from heat and remove cinnamon sticks; stir in vanilla extract.
PLACE 2 slices of French toast on 4 warm plates. Arrange berries on top of each slice; spoon sauce over berries. Garnish with cinnamon, powdered sugar, ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately.
MAPLE SYRUP VARIATION:
HEAT 1 pint fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries and/or blackberries), 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup in small pan over low heat, stirring just until berries soften and let go of their juice. Garnish as above.