French toast always reminds me of bread pudding, albeit a single slice of bread pudding, because the bread is supposed to suck up the milk and egg mixture before it is fried, leaving a creamy, custardy center. Unfortunately, too many restaurants and chefs get so caught up in using outrageously thick bread that their custard never gets to the center of the bread and you end up getting served regular toast with egg and syrup, not french toast. I highly doubt that the talented Rachael, from Fresh Approach Cooking, made this mistake with her Holiday French Toast. A fan of decadent holiday treats, I'm guessing that she made sure that every bit of the vanilla-laced custard mixture was soaked up by the already rich challah bread she used, creating a perfect holiday breakfast. The toast is topped with honeyed whipped cream, lightly sauteed nectarines and fresh raspberries.

Jonathan was exactly right to point out that hot chocolate season is just picking up and, of course, there is no better way to get it started than with some new ideas for making some at home. Hot Chocolate: 50 Heavenly Cups of Comfort is a book full of indulgent renditions of a favorite treat, featuring high-quality chocolates and many twists that will keep the drink interesting night after night. At the beginning of the book there is some basic information to start you off on the right track, such as an overview of the basic types of chocolate and a reminder that cocoa is, in fact, good for you - just in case you were having any second thoughts about some of the richer recipes. The drinks include regional recipes, such as Ecuadorian Heirloom Hot Chocolate, spirited recipes that include Mint Julep Hot Chocolate and Hot Chocolate Nog, and ones that are just plain delicious, like Peanut Butter Dream Hot Chocolate, Vanilla Hot Chocolate and Classic American Hot Chocolate.

Don't forget the marshmallows!