Friday, December 24, 2010

Ho, ho, ho....time to roll out of bed..literally ;0)

Well did we think this day would ever come? It always seems to get here faster every year and with a swift mighty stroke of overindulgence and indigestion along with it. But like most of you I just keep piling it in and wonder why after the holidays I feel so crappy, overfed and just plain "large". Gee, I wonder how that happened???
Right now I'm enjoying the sounds of my girls cooking...yes, it's finally happened. One is a teacher and the other in management. They come up with some really good foods lately. Can I hope someday soon they'll fix the holiday meals?? They say..."No, it's not the same". But I can keep dreaming anyway.
This year we're having brunch with my Dad, and we do love our breakfast meals. Don't cook them much at home but once in awhile we really go for the gusto and pay for it later...;0) Oh well, what a way to die. I should also mention that it's good to have a priest in the family to do "last rites" when you need it in a pinch ;0/..(really, really)
I'm gonna put in this amazing French Toast Casserole that we love and it's so easy to do. Fix it the night before and pour the topping over it before you put it in the oven.
To you and yours I wish for you a very Merry holiday.

Baked French Toast Casserole

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes

1 loaf of French Bread (no sourdough)
8 large eggs
2 cups half & half
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp sugar
1 ts vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline Topping (recipe to follow)
Maple Syrup

You can buy bread already sliced or slice it yourself. I usually use Texas Toast...it works great
Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9x13 baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half & half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Beat until combined well but not too bubbly.
Pour mixture over bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Praline Topping

1/2 pound butter (2 sticks)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread mixture between each slice and on top if needed. Makes enough for the entire pan.
Bake for 40 minutes at 350.
You won't need much syrup if any...this is so rich but to die for. I sometime sprinkle some powdered sugar over it instead. And it's easy to make this dairy free also. Sub the butter for Nucoa margarine and soy milk for the regular. Enjoy...and Happy Eating!!!
and it should work out to be about 18 to 20 slices

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