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TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Preparing the berries: Make sure to wash your berries before including them in the recipe! They can be sliced, prepped and stored in the fridge the night before using them.

Freshness: Take a paper towel and dab a little lime juice on the leftover avocado. Citrus helps prevent avocados from browning.

Gluten-free option: To make this gluten free, swap out the challah or brioche bread for your favorite gluten-free alternative.

Optional Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped nuts or powdered sugar on top of the dish for added crunch and sweetness!

UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES

Not only is Naturipe best known for its top-notch fresh berries, it’s also a major avocado supplier! Berries are an extremely versatile menu ingredient that can be incorporated into any course. They are also rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them a health-powerhouse. Additionally, avocados are chock-full of healthy fats, which are linked to heart health and weight management.

Furthermore, sustainability is a cornerstone of Naturipe’s operations, so consumers can feel good about buying — and eating — these berries.

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

Naturipe offers conventional and organic berries year-round in a variety of packaging sizes to fit operators’ needs. They are available for foodservice in both standard and larger pack sizes for restaurants, universities and other large-scale operations. Naturipe berries and avocados can also be found at retail stores nationwide.

Naturipe is committed to operating its business in a way that minimizes environmental impact and simultaneously supports its local and global communities.

BEST PRACTICES

When selecting the berries for this recipe, be sure to choose berries that are plump, firm, and bright in color. Strawberries should be fully red and have a shine to them. Blueberries should be a deep blue color and have a white-silvery coating (called “bloom”) on each berry. Raspberries and blackberries should have plump, shiny cells that are dark in color.

For avocados, select one that is firm and has a little give when you press on it. Avoid buying avocados that are mushy or have dents. Ripe avocados will also have a bumpy skin rather than a smooth skin. The skin should be dark green, nearly black. Avocados that are bright green aren’t ripe yet, and won’t work in most recipes. Finally, if you have an extra avocado half, keep the pit attached to that side and seal it in an airtight container until later use. Avocados are good for three to five days in the fridge.

RECIPE

Naturipe® Baked French Toast with Mixed Berries and Avocado Custard

Replace the cream in traditional French toast recipes with creamy avocado for a healthy take that doesn’t sacrifice richness.

PREP TIME: 30 Minutes plus overnight refrigeration
SERVES: 8 • COOK TIME: 1 Hour

INGREDIENTS

FRENCH TOAST

• 6 eggs
• 1 ¾ cups milk
• 1 ripe Naturipe Avocado, peeled, pitted and flesh scooped out
• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 loaf of thick-sliced bread such as brioche,
  challah or Texas toast
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  TOPPING
• 4 cups Naturipe mixed fresh berries
  (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and
  strawberries [sliced, tops removed])
• 1 Tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  (optional splash of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur)

DIRECTIONS

Lightly butter a 9×13 baking dish. Blend eggs, milk, avocado, maple syrup and vanilla with stick blender (or in traditional blender) until smooth. Pour into medium shallow bowl. Lightly dip both sides of each slice of bread in avocado custard base and lay slices flat in baking dish, overlapping slightly to fit. Pour remaining custard base over top and sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover dish with foil and refrigerate overnight, or at least two hours.

Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for an hour if refrigerated overnight, twenty minutes if only refrigerated for a few hours.

Keep foil in place and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until middle is set and top is golden brown.

Remove casserole from oven. Place topping ingredients in medium bowl and toss lightly to combine. Serve berry mixture alongside French toast casserole. Have some maple syrup or powdered sugar on hand for those who have a sweet tooth!