Brioche Perdue with Blackberry Sauce

This is a richer, fluffier version of French toast. My convalescence dish as a child, it was simultaneously welcomed and dreaded, because it signalled that my appetite had returned but also that I would soon be back at school.

Just like bread and butter pudding, it has enjoyed a revival in France over the past few years as all types of comfort food find their way on to even the most chic of restaurant menus. And yes, it is best to forget the humble using-up-stale-bread origin of thi