Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue.

- Eugene O'neil

Monday, June 14, 2010

Go Wild


Happy Monday Everyone! 

So today, Cherry Chick is hosting ME Monday - a new meme for those who love and collect all things Mary Engelbreit, and Free Pretty Things for You is hosting a Mouth Watering Monday meme.



So, in honor of these two new memes - both of which I find exciting and fun - I have decided to ~ Go Wild! ~ and inexplicably, post on both at the same time.  Adding confusion to the odd bedfellows, is  the fact that I am not really following the rules for eiher meme.  Oh well, my heart is  in the right place.  Bear with me!

First, for ME Monday, I am supposed to take my own picture of a Mary Engelbreit item that I own.  This week's theme is specifically the most unusual Mary Engelbreit item I own.  Ok, well - aside from telling you I DO own many a ME item, for reasons having to do with my camera (or lack thereof) - instead I am going to show you a picture of an unusual ME item that I particularly covet.  Here it is - I would love, love, l.ove to have this in my personal collection.


How adorable is that apron up there??  I just love it!  And you can MAKE one just for yourself, if you want!  This apron (or, more precisely - the book with the pattern) was featured on the Farm Chicks blog, which is where I first saw it.  You can purchae the pattern for yourself, here.

Ok!  So, imagine that you are wearing said apron, in the kitchen. Since the other theme today is recipes - let me state that I do know that we were supposed to take a picture of a recipe that we have already created.  Well, I think I covered the camera issue above.  (Promise, that will be resolved SOON!)  In he meantime, forgive me for sharing one of my favorite recipes, along with a picture that I personally did not take.

I LOVE love this special french toast recipe.  It is the perfect recipe for a special breakfast or brunch.  I have served these on Christmas morning, as well as Easter morn.  They always get rave reviews.  And they are surprisingly easy to make.  Enjoy!

Cheese-Stuffed French Toast with Strawberry Sauce



Ingredients


12 (1-ounce) diagonally cut slices French bread

1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 (8-ounce) tub cream cheese

2 1/2 cups milk

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 large eggs

Cooking spray

Optional:

Strawberry Sauce

Candied Lemon Rind

(Note, you can also use jam or jelly of any flavor in place of the strawberry sauce.  Whipped cream and/or fresh fruit are optional/additional garnishes).

Note # 2:  Looking for a low cal version?  Replace 4 of the six eggs with egg whites, and use low or non fat versions of the milk and cream cheese.

Preparation

Cut a horizontal slit through bottom crust of each slice of bread to form a pocket. Combine powdered sugar and cream cheese; stir well. Spread mixture evenly into pockets of bread. Place 6 bread slices in each of two large, shallow baking dishes; set aside.

Combine milk, sugar, vanilla extract, egg whites, and eggs in a bowl; beat well with a wire whisk. Pour milk mixture evenly over bread slices. Cover and chill 1 hour or until liquid is absorbed.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat until hot. Arrange half of bread slices in skillet, and cook 3 minutes. Turn bread over, and cook 3 minutes or until browned; remove from skillet. Repeat procedure with the remaining bread slices.

Serve with garnishes recommended above!

YUM!

(*I usually make this recipe from scratch now.  In looking for a more precise recipe for you to use, I shared a variation of the recipe from MyRecipes.com.  Photo from same source.)



So, I hope you enjoyed seeing the apron I covet, and I hope you make the yummy french toast for your family.  I have yet to meet someone who does not LOVE this recipe!

To see more fun Mary Engelbreit collectibles, or to share your own - visit Cherry Chick's blog!

And to share your own yummy recipe, or find more recipes from others - check out Free Pretty Things for You! 

Have a great Monday everyone!

5 comments:

Cherry Chick said...

I just love a woman who can break all the rules! You go girl! ;-)
Thanks for playing with us today.

Dandelion and Daisy said...

Boy, does that sound good, a week's worth of calories in one meal.....but, boy, does it sound like it would be worth it. Going to have to try that one!

SueLovesCherries said...

You've got my mouth watering - no, drooling! right now - that looks heavenly! I hope your cam situation is resolved quickly. In the meantime, you've been very creative!

Unknown said...

oh my god that looks yummy!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Love your wild post! Your dish sounds so delicious! I've got just the right amount of fresh strawberries right now. We'll have to try this! With my apron on! Fun post!