Grinki is the Ukrainian version of French Toast. A traditional recipe enjoyed by Ukrainians throughout history using simple ingredients. As food was scarce many times throughout Ukrainian history, food was prepared with whatever ingredients were available. A stale piece of bread, dipped in a milk and eggs mixture, then fried in butter and oil made the perfect breakfast. Sweet or savoury toppings were added to make a delicious meal.
French toast has a history. Many cultures have their own version of French toast. In recorded history, as far back as the Fifth Century, the Roman Empire had its own version of French toast. White bread, soaked in milk and beaten egg, fried in oil, and covered in honey. In medieval times people soaked bread in a milk and egg mixture then heated it to feed their families. This same stale bread was used as an affordable meal for the Knight’s and known as poor knight’s pudding. By the Eighteenth Century it was advertised as French toast. The word French toast has taken on many different names throughout the centuries in varies parts of the world, such as eggy bread and Gypsy toast. Variations in toppings made it sweet or savoury. French toast has become a universal recipe that is simple in ingredients and made delicious with regional changes.
The recipe I have prepared is an Apple Cinnamon Grinki. An elevated version of a sweet Grinki. It can be prepared ahead of time and makes a delicious fall breakfast with added spices and side dishes of bacon or breakfast sausage.
Check my website for upcoming recipes focusing on Ukraine and Eastern Europe!
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