Vanilla French Toast with Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 cup plain or vanilla non-dairy milk (nut-free and/or soy-free if necessary)
• 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (or vegan creamer)
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour
• 2 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tbsp. arrowroot powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Vegan cooking spray (soy-free if necessary)
• 8 vegan bread slices (the thicker the better; we love this Vegan Oat Bread )
• Vanilla Whipped Cream, optional
• Powdered sugar (or xylitol) for dusting, optional
• Sliced almonds, optional
• 4 cups chopped strawberries (fresh, frozen or dried)
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 to 2 tbsp. agave syrup (or maple syrup; depending on sweetness preference)
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. water