Toasted Brioche in Spiced Milk

Put the milk, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, the cloves, cardamom , star anise, cinnamon stick and ginger into a saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and then turn the heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the milk with the spices . Keep warm.

Put 1/2 cup water and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a small saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar is dissolved and turns to a clear syrup, about 3 minutes. Cool slightly.

Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When it begins to foam , dip the bread slices into the syrup and then fry them in the butter until they become golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Pour some hot spiced milk into shallow bowls and then gently add a slice of the toasted bread. Serve with slices of fresh apricots or peaches .