Coconut-Cardamom French Toast With Raspberry-Rhubarb Compote

Preparation

1. Compote

   Step 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F. Gently combine rhubarb and raspberries in a shallow baking dish that will hold them snugly. Scatter sugar over and add cardamom. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into a small bowl and set aside for making the French toast. Add vanilla pod to dish. Cover with foil and bake fruit 15 minutes. Carefully remove foil, stir gently, and roast, uncovered, until fruit is beginning to collapse but is still bright pink, about 10 minutes more. Remove baking dish from oven; pluck out cardamom pods and vanilla pod and discard. Let cool (juices will thicken as compote cools).

   Do ahead: Compote can be made 3 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container; cover and chill.

2. Filling

   Step 2

   Bring cream, coconut, sugar, and salt to a boil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring. Cook, stirring often, until thickened to a paste and pale yellow (sound should turn from bubbling to a faint sizzle and there should be very little liquid remaining), 6–8 minutes. Scrape into a bowl and let cool.

   Do ahead: Filling can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

3. French toast and assembly

   Step 3

   Reduce oven temperature to 200°F. Pour sugar evenly into a shallow baking dish large enough to accommodate 4 slices of bread. Using your fingers or a spoon, press pods and seeds into sugar, then scrape in reserved vanilla bean seeds and work into sugar. Add milk. (For the fullest flavor, combine spiced sugar and milk in a heatproof jug or bowl and microwave until steaming, 30–60 seconds. Let sit 5 minutes to infuse, then pour back into dish.) Whisk in eggs, cream, almond extract, rose water, and salt.

   Step 4

   Divide coconut filling among 4 slices of bread (about 3 Tbsp. each). Spread in an even layer, leaving a thin border at edges. Top with a second slice of bread to form sandwiches. Lay sandwiches in custard and let soak 2 minutes. Gently turn over and let sit while you heat the pan.

   Step 5

   Melt enough butter or pour in oil to thinly coat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook 2 sandwiches until evenly golden, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer French toast to a baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.

   Step 6

   Bake French toast 5 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to plates. Top with raspberry-rhubarb compote, maple syrup, and other toppings as desired.