Letter From Our CIO

The start of a new year has always carried special meaning for me.

There’s something powerful about turning the calendar. It’s an invitation to reset, refocus, and move forward with intention. While the holidays may be behind us, the sense of warmth and togetherness they bring doesn’t have to fade. January offers a quieter moment to reflect, recalibrate, and grow.

I’ve always loved this time of year because it brings me back to some of my favorite memories: slow Saturday mornings, cartoons playing in the background, and my parents in the kitchen making what I still believe is the best French toast I’ve ever had. Borrowing a phrase from Disney’s Inside Out, those mornings have become a true “core memory” for me, one that shaped who I am and one Anne and I are now passing along to our own children. Moments like these remind me of what matters most: being present and spending meaningful time with the people you love.

In the spirit of new beginnings, I wanted to share my mom’s French toast recipe with you. Perhaps it finds its way into a quiet January morning in your home or becomes a small tradition that carries into the years ahead.

Josh Flades Mom’s French Toast

The Secret Prep (Do This the Night Before)
∙ Slice 1–2 loaves of French bread
∙ Leave slices out in the open air overnight
(Drier bread soaks up the goodness—this matters!)

Ingredients

∙ 4 eggs
∙ 1 can evaporated milk
∙ A splash of vanilla extract
∙ 2–3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (plus extra for dusting)
∙ Butter and olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

Whisk
In a bowl, mix eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
Heat
Preheat an electric frying pan to 350°–375°F.
Add a thick slice of butter and a swirl of olive oil to coat the pan.
Dip & Fry
Once the butter is bubbling, dip bread slices into the mixture and place them in the pan.
Cook until lightly golden brown.
Flip
Flip the slices and cook the other side.
Tip: Add a little more butter and oil between batches or when flipping to keep them crispy and rich.
Finish
Transfer to a platter and lightly dust with extra cinnamon sugar while warm.