Follow these steps for perfectly golden and delicious Vegetarian French Toast:

1. Prepare the Custard: In a wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate or baking dish), whisk together the large eggs thoroughly. Once beaten, whisk in the whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and pinch of salt until well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved. Ensure the dish is wide enough to easily dip the bread slices.
2. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (or oil) to the pan and let it melt and lightly coat the surface. You want the pan hot enough to sizzle when a drop of water hits it, but not so hot that the butter burns immediately. Adjust heat as needed throughout cooking.
3. Soak the Bread: Working one or two slices at a time (depending on the size of your dish and pan), place a slice of bread into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. The goal is for the bread to absorb the custard but not become completely saturated and fall apart. Thick, slightly dry bread will absorb more readily without disintegrating. Briefly lift the bread slice and let any excess custard drip back into the dish.
4. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot, buttered skillet. Ensure there’s some space between slices; don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the surfaces are beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the center feels slightly springy to the touch (indicating the egg has cooked through).
5. Adjust Heat & Add Butter: Monitor the heat closely. If the toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. If it’s pale and cooking slowly, increase the heat a bit. Add more butter or oil to the pan between batches as needed to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
6. Keep Warm (Optional): If cooking in batches, you can keep the cooked French toast warm by placing it in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in an oven preheated to a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C). Avoid stacking, as this can make them steam and become soggy.
7. Prepare the Berries: While the French toast is cooking, gently wash and prepare your fresh berries. Hull and slice any large strawberries. Ensure all berries are relatively dry before serving.
8. Serve Immediately: Once all slices are cooked, serve the Vegetarian French Toast immediately. Arrange 1-2 slices per plate, generously top with the prepared mixed fresh berries, and finish with your desired toppings like a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.