Vegan French toast - a great start to the day

BREAKFAST bakes can be made ahead, which takes the pressure off in the morning, letting you relax and sip coffee as the dish warms in the oven and fills your kitchen with the most enticing aroma. They easily feed a crowd or can cover you as a quick, reheatable breakfast for the weekday mornings.

- ELLIE KRIEGER

This berry-studded French toast bake delivers a creamy centre that is dairy and egg-free. Pour that mixture, spiked with vanilla, orange zest and maple syrup, over cubed whole-grain bread and mixed berries in a baking dish, and let it soak in for a couple of hours or overnight. When you are ready to bake, sprinkle the top with chopped pecans and almonds (or any combination of nuts and seeds you like) and pop it in the oven.

The finished bake bursts with berries and crunchy nuts, warm, fragrant, crisp on the outside and delightfully custardy on the inside.

VEGAN FRENCH TOAST WITH BERRIES AND NUTS

Serves: 4 (makes about 6 cups)

Active time: 20 mins

Total time: 1 hour

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and place in a preheated 350-degree oven until warmed through, or microwave until warmed through.