shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister
Cindy loved to make French Toast. It is interesting to me how much cinnamon makes me think of Cindy, with the alliteration of this seemingly sweet ingredient and her name, as well as Abby's song, "Cynamon." Cindy loved to make French Toast for the pure challenge of it.
I would remember how she would try to get the thickest bread there was. Usually it would be some variation of "Texas Toast" or a 10 to 12 slice per loaf variety from Columbo Bread Company. She would usually get bread that was sliced at least 3/4 of an inch thick, if not a full inch. Once she made the French Toast, the bread would be reduced to 1/2 of an inch. When she would dip the bread in the mixture, she would give each slice its own unique swirl with the egg and cinnamon like a design on a spirograph, just not as precise. But just barely. She preferred to serve it with powdered sugar as opposed to syrup.
Cindy enjoyed making things beautiful. I believe it was more about presentation than about product. She taught me this and soon I could see it. The more I look at things, like cakes and pastries especially, I learned this to be true. It doesn't take much to add beauty and grace to the little things. Even if it is a slice of bread. She made it possible to see the art in a beautiful piece of French Toast. Whenever I see French Toast on a menu, I think of Cindy and smile.
