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!