The Best French Toast

Preheat the oven:

Set the oven rack to the middle position.
Preheat the oven to 200°F.

Prepare the bread:

Arrange the bread slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Bake in the oven until slightly dried, about 15 minutes.

Make the batter:

While the bread is drying, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Slowly whisk in the flour until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a large, shallow dish (a Pyrex pie plate works well).

Cook the French toast:

Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of the remaining butter and heat until it just begins to brown.
Lightly whisk the egg mixture again.
Soak 2 pieces of bread in the mixture for about 15 seconds per side.
Allow excess mixture to drip back into the dish, then place the soaked bread in the heated skillet.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 1/2 minutes per side.
Repeat with the remaining butter and bread slices.

Serve:

Serve the French toast warm. Enjoy!