Roman French Toast (Aliter Dulcia)

Aliter Dulcia, meaning "Another Sweet Dish," is the ancient Roman precursor to modern French toast. Originating from the De Re Coquinaria cookbook attributed to Apicius, this dish involves soaking bread in a milk and egg mixture, frying it to golden perfection, and finishing it with a drizzle of honey. Simple yet indulgent, Aliter Dulcia was a creative way to repurpose stale bread, making it a staple of Roman feasts and a symbol of culinary ingenuity. Its timeless appeal has endured, influencing sweet bread dishes throughout history.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Ingredients

4 slices of stale bread or any firm bread
1 cup milk
2 eggs
Honey for drizzling
Olive oil or butter for frying
Optional: Poppyseeds for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Bread:

Slice the bread into manageable pieces if not already sliced. Stale bread works best for soaking without falling apart.

Make the Soaking Mixture:

In a bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined.

Soak the Bread:

Dip each slice of bread into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring it is fully saturated but not falling apart.

Fry the Bread:

Heat olive oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the soaked bread slices until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Finish with Honey:

Arrange the fried bread on a plate and drizzle generously with honey. For a touch of authenticity, add a pinch of black pepper or cinnamon for a Roman twist.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm, enjoying the blend of creamy custard-like bread and the sweetness of honey.

Notes

Use Stale Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best for this recipe, as it absorbs the milk and egg mixture without falling apart. A firm-textured bread like sourdough or a rustic loaf is ideal.

Frying Fat Matters: Olive oil is traditional for a Roman flavor, but you can substitute butter for a richer, more modern taste. If using butter, keep the heat moderate to prevent burning.

Sweeten to Taste: Honey is the classic topping, but you can adjust the sweetness to your preference. For a modern twist, try adding a drizzle of date syrup or a sprinkle of sugar while frying for a caramelized finish.