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How to Throw the Ultimate Bagel Brunch

How to Throw the Ultimate Bagel Brunch

How to Throw the Ultimate Bagel Brunch

 

Bagels

 

Start with homemade bagels if you have the time! If not, no worries you can buy fresh bagels the same morning you plan on having your breakfast or brunch. Plan on 1 ½ per person.

Consider Mini Bagels

Make or buy a variety! A batch of plain is a must but I always include whole wheat, sesame, everything, onion, egg, cinnamon raisin, etc.

Keep a toaster handy for those who like a toasted bagel.

Toppings

 

butter

Variety of cream cheeses (plain, scallion, lox, etc)

Horseradish Dill Schmear

Berry & Cinnamon

Maple-Spiced Pumpkin

Variety of jams

Nut Butter / Nutella

Nuts (sliced Almonds, glazed Pecans, chopped Walnuts, etc.)

Sliced Fruit

Smoked salmon

Salmon Roe

Bacon

Tuna salad

Egg salad

Hummus

Scrambled eg

gs or Sliced Hard Boiled Eggs

Sliced cucumbers

Thinly sliced radishes

Sliced tomatoes

Roasted Red Pepper

Avocado

Capers

Scallions

Red onion, sliced thinly

Sprouts

Fresh dill or chives

Lemon Wedges

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Sides

 

Fruit Salad

Strawberry-Rhubarb Salad with Mint and Hazelnuts

Citrus Wedges

Caprese Salad / Cantaloupe Caprese

 

Drinks

 

Coffee

Creative Coffee Cart Station

Tea

Juice (Orange, Grapefruit, Cranberry)

Cocktail

Mimosas (DIY Mimosa Bar)

24th Street Spritz

DIY Sparkling Bar

Baked Eggs with Creamy Leeks

Baked Eggs with Creamy Leeks

Baked Eggs with Creamy Leeks

1 T. butter

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 C. leeks, thinly sliced and rinsed

8 T. light cream

1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1 tsp. dried marjoram or rubbed sage

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 large eggs

 

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Generously spray the base and sides of 4 ramekins and set aside. Melt the butter in a skillet and cook the garlic and leeks over medium heat, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low for a minute before adding half of the cream. Stir in nutmeg and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until mixture has thickened and leeks are soft, about another 4 minutes. Place the ramekins in a small roasting pan and divide the leek mixture evenly among them. Carefully break an egg in each and spoon over a T. of the remaining cream. Sprinkle with dried herbs, salt and pepper. Put roasting pan on oven rack and then pour boiling water into the pan to come up about halfway on the sides of the ramekins. Carefully push pan into the center of the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, just until the eggs are set. Serve straight from the oven with a crusty roll.

French Benedict French Toast

French Benedict French Toast

French Benedict French Toast

4 English muffins, split

8 eggs

1/2 cup milk

2 T. melted butter

8 pieces cooked Canadian bacon

4 poached eggs

4 T. melted butter

Chopped chives

In a large (2 qt.) baking dish, whisk 8 eggs, 1/2 cup milk and 2 tbsp. melted butter. Lay the 8 slices of bread in the egg mixture, turning often until the bread is soaked through, 2 to 3 minutes. In a griddle or large skillet, melt 1 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add 4 soaked bread slices and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat with 1 more tbsp. butter and the remaining bread. Add the toppers. Assemble 4 stacks of 2 French toast halves. Top each stack with 2 pieces cooked Canadian bacon, a poached egg, 1 tbsp. melted butter and some chopped chives; season.

 

Cherry Tomato, Basil & Balsamic Sauce French Toast

Cherry Tomato, Basil & Balsamic Sauce French Toast

Cherry Tomato, Basil & Balsamic Sauce French Toast

6 large organic eggs

1 cup (a couple of generous handfuls) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream

About 1 tbsp. freshly stripped thyme leaves

Freshly grated or ground nutmeg, about 1/8 tsp. or to taste

Salt and pepper

8 slices (1/2 to 3/4 inch thick) stale, good-quality white peasant or Italian bread

4 tbsp. butter

Preheat the oven to 200°. In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk the eggs, cheese, half-and-half, thyme and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper. Heat a large griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium. Working with 2 slices of bread at a time, soak the bread in the egg mixture, about 20 seconds on each side. Melt 1 tbsp. butter in the griddle for each batch of French toast; lift the bread from the dish and let the excess egg batter drain. Cook the toast until it is deeply golden on each side and springs back when pressed with your finger, about 2 minutes per side. Place in the oven or tent with foil to keep warm. Add Sauce.

 

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. butter

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or grated

2 pts. (4 cups) cherry tomatoes or 2 packages (12 to 14 oz. each) cherry tomatoes on the vine, halved

Salt and black pepper or crushed red pepper

1/3 cup (a handful) fresh basil leaves, torn

1 tbsp. balsamic drizzle (buy my balsamic drizzle at RachaelRayStore.com or aged balsamic vinegar

 

In a skillet with a lid, heat the oil, two turns of the pan, over medium-high. Melt the butter into the oil, add the garlic and swirl the skillet until the garlic is fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cover. Cook, shaking the skillet occasionally, until the tomatoes break down, 10 to 15 minutes. Uncover, reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the basil and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes more. Stir in the balsamic drizzle. Spoon over the Savory French Toast.

Black Pepper Reggiano French Toast with Italian Sausage Patties and Warm Honey

Black Pepper Reggiano French Toast with Italian Sausage Patties and Warm Honey

Black Pepper Reggiano French Toast with Italian Sausage Patties and Warm Honey

1 1/2 pounds ground pork

1/4 cup dry red wine

1 teaspoon fennel seed, 1/3 palmful

1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1/3 palmful

1 teaspoon granulated onion, 1/3 palmful

1 teaspoon ground sage, 1/3 palmful

2 teaspoons coarse black pepper, divided

1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt, divided

2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 large eggs

2/3 cup whole milk

Freshly grated nutmeg

1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

8 slices good quality white bread or Italian bread

2 to 3 tablespoons melted butter

Warm honey, for drizzling

 

Preheat a griddle pan to medium-high. Combine pork with wine, fennel, garlic, onion, sage, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt and EVOO. Mix with your hands to combine then form 8 small, thin patties. Cook patties 3-4 minutes on each side then keep warm in a low oven. Reduce heat under pan to medium for the French toast. Whisk up eggs, remaining salt and pepper, a little nutmeg, and the grated cheese in a dish. Coat bread slices in the egg batter and cook on the griddle in a little melted butter until golden and cooked through. Serve cheese toast with sausage patties alongside, drizzled with warm honey.

Asparagus with Butter and Soy & a Poached Egg

Asparagus with Butter and Soy & a Poached Egg

Asparagus with Butter and Soy

Kosher salt

White vinegar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 bunch asparagus (about 1/2 pound), tough ends snapped off

2 teaspoons expeller-pressed vegetable oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Fill a medium pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add enough kosher salt so that the water is as salty as seawater. Meanwhile, fill a medium saucepan halfway with water, add a small splash of vinegar, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat so the water simmers gently. One at a time, crack each egg into a small teacup with a handle and then slowly and gently slide the egg into the simmering water—the rim of the cup should actually dip into the water so that the egg doesn’t have very far to fall. Adjust the heat so the water stays at a slow simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the white is just set and the yolk is still runny. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a plate. Heat a 9-inch sauté pan over high heat. When the pan is very hot, drop the asparagus into the boiling water and cook for 25 to 30 seconds, less if the asparagus is very skinny. Drain the asparagus and gently shake them dry. Add the oil to the hot pan and swirl. Immediately add the asparagus and toss constantly for about 30 seconds, until they become slightly blistered in spots. Do not lower the heat. Add the soy sauce and shake the pan to coat the asparagus; as soon as it evaporates, remove the pan from the heat, add 1 tablespoon water, and immediately follow with the butter. Continue to toss the asparagus until the butter is melted, creating a dark golden brown emulsified sauce. If the sauce has broken, add up to a tablespoon of water and continue to toss until it comes back together. Divide the asparagus and the sauce between two plates, and top each with a warm poached egg. Sprinkle the eggs with a little sea salt.

Israeli Shakshuka

Israeli Shakshuka

Israeli Shakshuka

2 teaspoons olive oil
4 extra large ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 green jalapeno pepper, finely diced
26 1⁄2 ounces pomi brand chopped tomatoes (nothing works like this!)
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
6 large eggs (or as many as will fit on your sauté pan)

You need a large nonstick deep sauté pan that has a cover. Sauté onions in olive oil until opaque and tender. Add red bell pepper and continue sautéing until it softens up. Reduce heat to low. Add the fresh chopped tomatoes, cook until they are breaking apart. With a slotted spoon, add the chunkiest parts of the contents of the “Pomi” – the majority of the sauce should remain in the carton. Add the jalapeno now also. Cook for 30-40 minutes, partially cover, and stir every once in a while. If it starts to look dry, add some of the sauce from the carton, slowly , as you need it. Add the salt and pepper – I like a lot because I love salt on tomatoes. The final product should be a thick sauce that just looks like a whole lot of tomatoes stuck together – with very little to no juice, that is about 1-1 1/2 inches high.
Crack open the eggs on top of the shakshuka, one by one, giving each their own space. The whites should overlap, but the yolk should be spaced about 4 finger widths from each other. My pan can fit 6-8 eggs very comfortably. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 145
Fat: 6.8g
Fiber: 3.8g

Baked Chili Relleno Eggs

Baked Chili Relleno Eggs

Baked Chili Relleno Eggs

2 4oz. cans Whole Green Chilis (or 8 fresh roasted chilis)
2 C. grated Monterey Jack Cheese, divided
1 ½ T. Butter
6 Eggs
1 T. Flour
2 C. Milk
1/8 tsp. Chili Powder

Preheat oven to 325. Slit each chili down one side and fill loosely with grated cheese, using 1 cup cheese for all chilis. Lay filled chilis in a lightly buttered, soufflé type backing dish. In separate bowl, beat eggs and flour. Stir in milk and chili powder. Fold in remaining grated cheese. Pour eggs over chilis. Bake 45 minutes to an hour, until top is bubbly and a knife inserted near center comes out clean.

from The Idiot’s Guide Glycemic Index Cookbook

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 282
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 0g

Baby Dutch Babies

Baby Dutch Babies

Baby Dutch Babies

2 T. butter or margarine
2 large eggs
1/2 C. flour
1/2 C. milk (2% or whole)
1 4-oz package cream cheese
about 1/4 C. jam – whatever flavor you prefer
optional: Powdered sugar; Maple Syrup

Get out a muffin tin with 12 large muffin C. (2 1/2 inch diameter C.)… or use 2 muffin pans with 6 C. each. Divide butter equally among the C. of the pan(s). Set pan in 425 degree F. oven to melt the butter, roughly 2 minutes. As butter melts in the C., combine in a food processor or blender: eggs, flour, and milk; Whirl until blended. Cut cream cheese into cubes the size of a scant tsp. Remove pan(s) from oven. Spoon about 2 T. Batter into each C.. Use all the batter. Bake 5 minutes to firm the bottoms. Remove from oven and quickly add to each muffin C.: 1 scant tsp. cream cheese and 1 scant tsp. jam. Put back in oven and bake until puffed and browned on edges, 10 minutes longer. Remove and enjoy hot from the oven!

Lemon Raspberry Dutch Baby

Lemon Raspberry Dutch Baby

For a fast and delicious, drama filled breakfast the Dutch Baby has you covered! Not just reserved for special occasions, this German pancake is no fuss and so delicious.

1/2 C. All Purpose Flour
1 T. Organic Cane Sugar
1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
3 Large Eggs, room temperature
1/2 C. Milk (nut or dairy), room temperature
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Zest of 1 Lemon
1 C. Fresh Berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, divided
2 T. Unsalted Butter

Fresh Berries
Powdered Sugar for Dusting
Lemon Curd
Lemon Wedges if Desired

Preheat the oven to 425F (218C). Place a 10″ cast iron skillet on the center rack to preheat while the oven is warming. In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt. Set aside. Meanwhile crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. To the eggs add the milk, extract and zest. Whip with a whisk to break up the eggs. To the egg mixture, add the flour mixture. Whisk until perfectly smooth, or for at least 2 minutes. Your arm will get tired, but just consider it your morning workout! *Work quickly but carefully here! When the oven is preheated (I highly recommend an oven thermometer to double check), use an oven mitt to carefully remove the pan from the oven. Place the butter in the pan and swirl it around to help it melt. It will sputter and spit, so be careful. As soon as the butter is melted, carefully pour in the batter and gently place 1/2 C. of berries spread evenly over the top of the batter. Carefully place the pan back in the oven, in the same spot without sloshing the batter around in the pan. Bake for 14-15 minutes until the edges are toasty golden and puffed. Remove from oven and allow the pancake to deflate before sprinkling it with lemon, powder sugar and more berries. Serve with Lemon Curd. Store in a lidded container for up to two days. Reheat at 325F (180C) for about 8 minutes.

Pull Apart Bacon French Toast Muffins

Pull Apart Bacon French Toast Muffins

5 C. of bread cut into 2cm/1″ cubes (fresh or stale – see notes 1 and 2)
3 rashers bacon, diced
Oil spray

3 eggs
1¼ C. milk (low or full fat)
1 tsp sugar
2 pinches salt

Maple syrup (optional)

Combine the Egg Mixture ingredients in a bowl and whisk with a fork until combined. Add bread cubes and mix well to each piece of bread is well coated with the Egg Mixture. If using fresh bread, set aside for 10 to 30 minutes in the fridge. If using stale bread, set aside for 20 minutes to overnight. If you’re in a rush, use your hands to gently squeeze the cubes to help them absorb the egg mixture faster. Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Spray a medium fry pan with oil spray and heat on high heat. Add the bacon and cook until just starting to brown. Don’t cook until it is very brown because otherwise it will overcook in the oven. Remove bacon from fry pan and drain on absorbent paper. Spray 6 holes in a muffin tin. Mix the bread-egg mixture to evenly disperse the egg mixture that will have settled at the bottom of the bowl. Divide ⅓ of the bread-egg mixture between the 6 muffin C.. Sprinkle with half the bacon, then press the mixture down with medium pressure using the back of a spoon. Top with the remaining bread mixture. Use your fingers to lightly compress them. Each muffin should be slightly mounded even after lightly compressing them. The bread cubes on top will puff back up when you bake it. Sprinkle with remaining bacon. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve with maple syrup, if using.

Berry Souffle Pancake

Berry Souffle Pancake

Berry Souffle Pancake

 

3 eggs separated

1/2 cup half & half

1/3 cup flour

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup mixed berries, slice any strawberries

Powdered sugar for garnish, optional\

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place a rack 5 inches or so under broiler and one in the center of the oven. Beat the egg yolks and half & half in a large bowl until well mixed. Slowly whisk in the flour, stirring just until combined, then whisk in the butter, salt, and vanilla. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric beater until almost stiff peaks. Gently fold the whites into the batter, folding just until the whites disappear. A few streaks are fine. Lightly grease or spray an 8-inch ovenproof skillet and heat over medium high heat. Pour and spoon the batter into the skillet while the skillet is on the burner, turn the heat down to medium. Cook several minutes, just until the batter looks a little firmer and there is a bit of light golden brown on the bottom when an edge is carefully lifted. Turn on the broiler. Remove skillet from heat and working quickly scatter the berries on top of the batter. and place pan under the broiler. Watch closely and cook broil until the top of the souffle is golden brown. Turn broiler off and switch to bake, 450 degrees F. and move the pan to the center rack and bake for three to four minutes or until just firm to the touch in the center. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Note there is no sugar in the batter; if you have a sweet tooth, add a tablespoon or two to the egg yolks before mixing.

Sheet-pan Quiche Lorraine

Sheet-pan Quiche Lorraine

Sheet-pan Quiche Lorraine

 

5⅓ C. All-purpose flour

1 pound Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

1 C. Ice-cold water

1 T. Kosher salt

 

12 Eggs

2 C. Milk

2 C. Heavy cream

2 C. Onions, sliced thinly

1 C. Bacon, cut into squares

1 C. Gruyère cheese, grated

2 T. Chives, sliced thinly

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

 

For pâte brisée (pie dough): Add flour, butter, and salt to bowl of stand mixer. Using paddle attachment, mix on medium speed until butter forms pea-sized pieces. Start adding ice water and keep mixing until all water is incorporated and dough grabs onto paddle. Be careful not to overmix; you want to see small pieces of butter in the dough as this will ensure a flaky crust. Remove dough from mixer, wrap with plastic wrap, and let rest in refrigerator for 1 hour before rolling out. Remove dough and let sit on counter for about 10 minutes. Then, using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangular shape, about 3/16-inch thick. Carefully roll dough onto rolling pin and transfer to a half-sheet (13-by-18-inch) pan. Cut off excess dough and place lined pan in refrigerator for another hour to allow dough to relax. Make quiche filling. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Once dough is relaxed and firm, line dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or beans, then par-bake pie crust until exposed edges are golden brown. Remove pie weights and prick holes in bottom of crust with a fork to release steam. Place crust back in oven until center is golden brown. Let cool before adding the filling. For quiche filling: Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add cut bacon and cook until bacon is crispy and has rendered most of its fat. Stir in onions, salt, and pepper, and cook until onions are dark brown, about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool bacon-onion mixture. Using a whisk and in a medium sized bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, cream, and cheese. Add bacon-onion mixture to egg mixture. Stir in chives. To make quiche: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour filling into pre-cooked quiche shell and bake for about 40 minutes, until filling is browned and firm to the touch. Test with a cake tester or small knife in the center. The knife should come out clean when quiche is ready. Allow quiche to cool to room temperature.  For best results when cutting quiche into perfect little squares, chill quiche overnight. Carefully remove quiche from sheet pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut quiche into desired piece sizes and shapes. Reheat individual portions in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Lemon Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Lemon Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Lemon Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

 

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cream of tarter

1 lemon, zested

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 1/4 cups milk

1 egg

3 tablespoons butter, melted

 

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, salt and sugar. After sifting, add cream of tarter and lemon zest. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides, creating crispy edges. Top with fresh blueberries and warm maple syrup. Blueberry Compote Topping (recommended) – 3 cups frozen or fresh blueberries, unthawed (save a ½ cup for garnish), 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/3 cup water. Combine 1 1/2 cups blueberries, sugar and 1/3 cup water in heavy small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until berries burst, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup berries. Cook until compote coats spoon, stirring often, about 8 minutes. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.) Serve warm over Maple Hill Manor’s Lemon Soufflé Pancakes. Garnish with fresh blueberries and powdered sugar for a nice presentation.

Herbed Swiss Rösti (Hashbrowns) with Fried Egg

Herbed Swiss Rösti (Hashbrowns) with Fried Egg

4 large potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds)
3 garlic cloves (or 1 small Spring garlic), minced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/2 C. parsley leaves, roughly chopped
pastured ghee (or lard, tallow, duck fat, or coconut oil)
sea salt
black pepper
4 eggs, preferably pastured

A couple of hours, or the night before you would like to serve, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and parboil until just tender, but not too soft. Remove them from the pot and allow to cool before refrigerating for a couple hours or overnight. Peel the potatoes and grate them on the large grating side of a box grater. Preheat a large sauté pan on medium heat. Melt about 1 T. ghee, making sure to coat the pan. Add the garlic and onions and stir continuously until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, 3/4 of the parsley, and sea salt and black pepper to taste and mix gently. Pat down the potatoes until they form an even and flat round. Cook until the bottom of the rösti is well browned, and easy to peel off the pan, about 6-8 minutes. Top the pan with a large plate, turn the pan over until the rösti slides out. Add more ghee to the pan, and return the rösti , browned side up, to the pan to brown the other side, another 6-8 minutes. While the second side of the rösti is browning, preheat a large sauté pan on medium. Melt about 2 T. ghee, making sure to coat the entire pan. Crack the eggs into the pan and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, to taste. Fry the eggs until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to desired doneness, about 2 minutes for a soft egg. Remove the rösti i from the oven, top with the rest of the parsley, and serve immediately with the eggs on top and any vegetable side dishes. If the rösti sticks to the bottom of the pan, and is difficult to flip, simply brown the bottom before broiling the top in the oven for a few minutes.

Pancakes with Warmed Maple Berries

Pancakes with Warmed Maple Berries

Pancakes with Warmed Maple Berries

 

Buttermilk pancakes

1 cup self-raising flour

1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1/4 cup caster sugar

1 1/4 cup buttermilk

1 egg, whisked

1 tablespoon butter, for cooking

vanilla yoghurt, to serve

Maple berries

1 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries

1/4 cup apple juice or water

2 tablespoon maple syrup

 

Sift flour and soda together into a large bowl. Stir in sugar. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Gradually whisk in combined buttermilk and egg until smooth. Melt 1 teaspoon butter in large frying pan on medium heat. Pour quarter cupfuls of batter into pan in batches. Cook 2 minutes until bubbles appear on surface and underside is golden. Flip and cook further 1-2 minutes, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining mixture, melting more butter in pan as required. To make maple berries: Combine all ingredients in medium frying pan. Heat on medium, until simmering. Cook gently 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture has slightly thickened. Serve pancakes with warm berries and a dollop of yoghurt.

French Cherry Tomato Tart with Dijon Mustard & Chevre

French Cherry Tomato Tart with Dijon Mustard & Chevre

French Cherry Tomato Tart with Dijon Mustard & Chevre

Yields one 9- or 10-inch tart

 

One unbaked tart dough, placed on the tart pan (see recipe, below)

Dijon or whole-grain mustard, to taste

8 ounces goat cheese, sliced into 1-ounce rounds

2 pints of cherry tomatoes (or 2-3 large tomatoes, sliced)

1/4 cup olives, pitted (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or your favorite herbs

 

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spread an even layer of mustard on the bottom of the tart dough. Place 4 rounds of goat cheese on top of the mustard. Arrange tomatoes (and olives, if using) on top of the cheese. Place remaining 4 rounds of cheese on top of the tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes, season with salt and ground pepper, and sprinkle chopped thyme.* Bake the tart for 30 to 40 minutes, until the dough is cooked and the cheese is nicely browned.

 

*Note: I usually add chopped herbs after about 20 minutes of baking time so that they don’t burn. For this recipe, I added some additional chopped thyme to the dough for extra flavor.

 

Tart Dough

Yields dough for one 9- or 10-inch tart

 

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 generous tablespoon chopped thyme (optional)

4 1/2 ounces unsalted butter, chilled, cut into cubes

1 large egg

2-3 tablespoons ice cold water

 

Mix the flour, salt, pepper, and chopped thyme in a medium-sized bowl. Add the butter and using your hands, pastry blender, or two forks, cut the butter into the flour/thyme mixture until it resembles a crumbly, cornmeal-like consistency. Mix the egg with 2 tablespoons of the water. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the beaten egg, stirring gently until the dough holds together. Add the additional tablespoon of ice water, if needed. Gather the dough into a ball and roll the dough on a lightly floured surface, adding only the minimum amount of flour to keep the dough from sticking to the counter. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and then unroll it over the tart pan with a removable bottom. “Dock” the dough by pressing the tart dough firmly with your fingertips to make a few indentations. Be careful not to press too hard to tear the dough.

Caramel & Sea Salt Pear Pancakes

Caramel & Sea Salt Pear Pancakes

pearoancakesThe pancakes:
2 large eggs
2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1½ cup skim milk (or more if batter is too thick)
1 T. maple syrup (or honey, agave nectar or brown sugar)
2 T. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp. ground allspice
½ tsp. salt
The pears:
6 T. unsalted butter
3 T. (packed) brown sugar
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. sea salt
3 Bartlett pears, cored and chopped
Extra maple syrup, if desired

The pancakes: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the flour, milk, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt. Mix well. Heat a frying pan over medium heat or heat a griddle to 375 degrees F. Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop the batter onto the griddle. When the pancakes start to bubble on top, flip them over and cook until the batter is cooked all the way through. Repeat with the remaining batter.

The pears: In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt, and stir to combine. Stir in the pears and cook, simmering, until the pears are tender. You may need to turn down the heat slightly to keep the caramel at a gentle simmer. Serve the pancakes, with the pear and caramel sauce spooned over top. Serve with extra maple syrup, if desired.

Sheet Pan Supper: Bacon & Asparagus Brunch

Sheet Pan Supper: Bacon & Asparagus Brunch

4-6 rashers of baconbrunch
12-15 asparagus spears (about 350 grams)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
2-3 branches fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 450F. Wash asparagus thoroughly, as they may be gritty, and use a vegetable peeler to remove the bottom two-thirds of peel. In a 9×13 roasting pan or Pyrex, lay the rashers (slices) of bacon. Place in the oven and cook for about 8 minutes or until crispy.
Remove pan from oven and carefully transfer the bacon to a paper towel. Drain off most of the bacon fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. Add the asparagus to the same pan and shake it around gently to coat the vegetables in grease. Arrange asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle it with lemon zest, thyme leaves, and pepper. Roast asparagus for about 8 minutes or until it begins to soften. Remove pan from the oven and gently crack the four eggs on top of the asparagus. Return the dish to the oven and roast another 4-5 minutes or until eggs have reached the desired doneness. Return bacon to the pan. Serve breakfast at once. Accompanying toast optional.

Ham & Cheese Croissant Bread Pudding

Ham & Cheese Croissant Bread Pudding

Ham & Cheese Croissant Bread Pudding

 

4 T. (5 5 g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan

2 yellow onions, diced

2 T. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish

2 T. Dijon mustard

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

8 large eggs

2 C. (480 ml) half-and-half

2 C. (220 g) grated Gruyere cheese

6 ounces (170 g) smoked ham, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces

1 pound (455 g) croissants, ripped into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces (about 10 cups)

1/2 C. (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Flaky salt

 

Generously butter a 9 by 13-inch (23 by 3 3 cm) baking dish; set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the onions are very soft and beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme, mustard, and salt and pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and half-and-half until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Add the onion mixture, Gruyere, and ham, then add the croissant pieces and stir to coat them. Transfer the bread pudding mixture to the prepared dish, pressing it gently into the dish. Top with the Parmesan and cover with aluminum foil. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. When ready to prepare, preheat the oven to 35O°F (175 °C). Bake the covered bread pudding on the center oven rack for 30 minutes. Then uncover and continue to bake until the Parmesan has melted and turned golden, about 20 minutes longer. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm with freshly cracked black pepper, flaky salt, and tons of fresh thyme.

Cinnamon Streusel Baked French Toast Sticks

Cinnamon Streusel Baked French Toast Sticks

For the French Toast Sticks:Cinnamon-Streusel-Baked-French-Toast-Sticks-14
4 slices Texas Toast (or French bread)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Streusel:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. Cut bread slices into thirds then set aside. Cut the bread slices into 3 sticks. In a large shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Dunk bread sticks into batter, let excess drip off, then place onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9 minutes. While the French Toast Sticks are baking, make the cinnamon streusel. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Mix together with your hands or a fork, until you have a crumbly mixture. Remove French Toast Sticks after the 9 minutes. Flip the sticks over and sprinkle the cinnamon streusel over the sticks. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 9-10 minutes, or until sticks are golden and streusel is set. Remove from the oven and serve warm, with syrup, if desired.

Glazed Brunch Apples

Glazed Brunch Apples

FNM_120112-Glazed-Apples-Recipe_s4x3_jpg_rend_sni12col_landscape

Core 2 apples and trim the tops and bottoms, then cut into thick rings. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple rings and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side. Add 1/4 cup pomegranate juice, 1 tablespoon sugar and a pinch of salt; simmer, turning, until the apples are glazed, 3 to 4 minutes. If making ahead, let cool, then refrigerate overnight; reheat in the microwave.

Ham, Leek & Gruyere Baked Egg Cup

Ham, Leek & Gruyere Baked Egg Cup

2057wfd_gruyerefinal_dms2 tablespoons butter
2 leeks, green and white parts cleaned and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
2 sprigs thyme, leaves removed
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
6 thin slices deli ham or prosciutto
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
6 eggs

Preheat oven to 375ºF. In a medium-size skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, garlic and thyme to the pan, and sauté 5-6 minutes, until very soft. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and cook about a minute. Whisk in the stock and bring up to a bubble to thicken the mixture up. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and reserve. While the leeks are cooking, spray the insides of a 6-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Line each cup with a slice of ham or prosciutto folded in half. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cooked leeks into each lined cup and top with a little shredded cheese. Press the leeks and cheese down a little with your finger to make room, then crack an egg into each one, making sure it stays whole (if you’re worried about breaking the egg yolk, crack the egg into a small bowl first, then pour it in the muffin cup). Season the tops of the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and place the muffin tin on a baking sheet. Transfer sheet to the oven and bake 15 minutes, until the eggs set. Remove tin from the oven and allow the baked eggs to cool in the muffin cups for a couple of minutes before removing them from the pan. Serve a green salad alongside.

Cheddar and Chile Egg Casserole

Cheddar and Chile Egg Casserole

l_R1796513 T. butter, melted
5 large eggs, beaten
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
1 4oz can diced green chiles
1/4 C. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
Salt

Preheat the oven to 350.

Brush an 8-inch square baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, chiles, flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining butter. Pour into the prepared dish and bake until set, about 35 minutes.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Avocados and Poached Eggs

Fried Green Tomatoes with Avocados and Poached Eggs

Fried Green Tomatoes with Avocados and Poached Eggs

 

1 large green tomato

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 large egg

1 tablespoon buttermilk

1 1/2 cups panko Japanese-style breadcrumbs

1/2 – 1 cup olive oil, for frying

For serving

1 medium avocado

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or more to taste

4 large eggs

 

Prep tomatoes. Trim 1/2-inch from the stem and blossom ends of the tomato and discard. Slice tomato into 1/4-inch thick slices. Season tomato slices on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside. Prep coating. In a shallow dish or pie pan, add the flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until blended. Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Coat tomatoes. Working with one tomato slice at a time, dip the tomato slices into the flour to coat evenly, shaking off the excess. Then, dip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip back onto the dish. Then coat the tomato slices in the panko breadcrumbs, patting firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Cook tomatoes. Heat 1/2 cup oil in a 10-inch non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Working in batches if necessary, carefully place tomatoes into the heated oil in a single layer. Cook until the undersides are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Turn the slices and fry until the other sides are browned, about 2 minutes more, adding more oil to the pan as necessary. Drain the fried tomatoes on paper towels. For serving: Prep avocado. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit. Twist the avocado halves in opposite directions and pull the halves apart. Remove the pit from the avocado and discard. Scoop out the avocado pulp into a medium bowl and mash it with a fork and some fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Plate tomatoes. Place tomato slices on plates and top with even amounts of avocado mixture. Set aside. Cook eggs. For the eggs, crack the eggs into 4 small ramekins or sauce dishes. In a 12-inch straight-sided skillet, bring 3 inches of water to a simmer. Turn down the heat so that no more bubbles form on the surface. Carefully slide the eggs into the water, evenly spreading the eggs around the pan so they don’t touch each other. Cook eggs, undisturbed, until white is just set and yolk is still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. Use a rubber spatula to gently release eggs from the bottom of pan, if necessary. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs from water. Blot the bottom of the spoon on a paper towel to remove excess water. Gently place an egg on each tomato slice. Serve immediately.

Fruity French Toast

Fruity French Toast

startoast2 eggs
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon milk
6 slices whole wheat bread
3 teaspoons thinly sliced fruit,
Berries or low-sugar fruit preserves
6 ounces skim milk cheese (queso fresco) or goat cheese, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh fruit, sliced or diced
1 cooking spray

In a bowl large enough to dip the bread, whisk the eggs, cinnamon and milk together. Cut each piece of bread into 4 pieces with a knife or cookie cutter. Dip the bread in the egg mixture, moistening both sides. Heat a non-stick pan and coat with cooking spray. Cook the bread for 2 – 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Spread fruit on one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese on top of the fruit. Cover with a second piece of bread. Repeat with remaining bread, cheese and fruit. Serve with fruit.

Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 147
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Fava Beans with Serrano Ham & Fried Egg

Fava Beans with Serrano Ham & Fried Egg

Fresh fava beans must be removed from their pods before cooking. Unless the beans are very small and young, the tough skin that covers each bean must also be slipped off. To remove the skins, blanch the shelled beans in rapidly boiling salted water until just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Pinch each bean opposite the end where it was attached to the pod and squeeze; the bean should pop free. Use a paring knife to remove any stubborn skins.

img57l4 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion or 3 shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 oz. sliced serrano ham or prosciutto, cut into thin strips
1 to 1 1⁄2 lb. young fava beans, shelled and skinned
1⁄2 cup dry sherry
1⁄2 cup chicken or vegetable stock or low-sodium canned broth
1 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 egg
1 T. chopped fresh chives

In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm 2 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic and ham and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the peeled fava beans and stir for a moment, taking care not to break them up, then add the sherry, stock and parsley. Increase the heat to high and cook until the liquid reduces a bit and the flavors are blended, about 1 minute. Add 1 Tbs. of the oil, season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a serving bowl. Keep warm. In the same pan, warm the remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Crack the egg into the pan and fry until the yolk is still runny but the white is firm, about 2 minutes. A little bit of crispy edge to the white is fine and adds good texture. To serve, cut the egg into bite-size pieces and toss with the warm fava mixture. The runny yolk will meld into the sauce. Sprinkle with the chives and serve immediately.

Dungeness Crab & Tillamook Cheddar Strata

Dungeness Crab & Tillamook Cheddar Strata

Dungeness Crab & Tillamook Cheddar Strata

 

The combination of bread, eggs, cream, and overnight soaking results in a soufflé-like dish. Assemble this dish the night before and refrigerate. Add the crab just before baking. Instead of using crab, you can cook 1 pound of breakfast sausages, and then cut each sausage into thirds and mix with the bread and cheese.

 

6 large eggs

2 C. half-and-half

2 C. grated Tillamook cheddar cheese

10 slices French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

8 ounces Dungeness crabmeat

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

Fresh tomato salsa, for serving

 

Generously butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Whisk the eggs and half-and-half together in a medium bowl until well blended. In another bowl, mix together the cheese and bread cubes, and then spread evenly in the buttered skillet. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 3 50°F. Spread the crabmeat over the eggs, and then place the skillet in the oven and bake the soufflé until puffed and lightly browned, about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, cut into wedges, and serve with a fresh tomato salsa.

Maple French Toast Casserole

Maple French Toast Casserole

maple7 cups cubed French bread
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup warm whipping cream (70° to 80°)
1/4 cup maple syrup
6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Additional maple syrup

Place bread in a greased 2-qt. baking dish; press down gently. Sprinkle with raisins. In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in whipping cream and syrup; mix well. Whisk together the eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt; add to cream cheese mixture.
Pour evenly over the bread; lightly press bread into egg mixture with a spatula. Cover; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 375° for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until center is set and the top is golden brown. Serve with syrup. Yield: 6 servings.

Tomato & Ricotta Tart

Tomato & Ricotta Tart

tomato tart1 pint Whole Milk Ricotta
2 Lemon Zest
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
1 Egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
2 tablespoons Parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Chives, finely chopped
1 sheet Puff Pastry
2-3 various Heirloom Tomatoes, sliced (room temperature)
1/2 cup Basil Leaves, torn
8 ounces Bacon (chopped)
Flakey Sea Salt
Olive Oil
Black Pepper, freshly cracked

Up to a day ahead of time, make the Ricotta mixture. The flavors will continue to blend and enhance the longer it sits. In a mixing bowl combine the Ricotta, Lemon Zest, Parmesan, Egg, Salt, Pepper, Parsley, Chives and 1 tablespoons of Olive Oil. Mix to thoroughly incorporate and refrigerate until ready to use. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place your Puff Pastry on a baking sheet and roll it slightly in to more of a rectangle shape. Next, spread the Ricotta filling out to all four edges in a nice even layer, leaving a 1-inch border of crust. Fold the edges in and using your thumb and forefinger, create fluted edges. Bake until golden brown and bubbly looking on top, 30-35 minutes. Be sure to achieve a nice deep golden crust so the middle and bottom aren’t soggy! Meanwhile, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add Bacon and sauté until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and set aside. Remove from the oven and slide on to a cutting board. Start layering your sliced Tomatoes across the top. Next add the cooked Bacon, torn Basil, a drizzle of Olive Oil, Cracked Pepper, a little more Parmesan and some flaky Salt. Slice in to 9 pieces and serve.

Bella’s Perfect Pancake 6WBM

Bella’s Perfect Pancake 6WBM

½ c. oats
4 egg whites
Dash of cinnamon & vanilla powder

Blend all of the ingredients in a Cuisinart/blender and pour into a non-stick heated skillet that has Pam or whatever spray you use and cook just like a pancake. This makes one large pancake or 3-4 small ones. You can make these ahead of time and just refrigerate.

French Toast Bake

French Toast Bake

ft1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
1 cup brown sugar
1 loaf Texas toast
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Melt butter in microwave & add brown sugar; stir till mixed. Pour butter/sugar mix into bottom of 9 x 13 pan; spread around. Beat eggs, milk, & vanilla. Lay single layer of Texas Toast in pan Spoon 1/2 of egg mixture on bread layer. Add 2nd layer of Texas Toast. Spoon remaining egg mixture over bread. Cover & chill in fridge overnight. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes (covered for the first 30 minutes). Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with warm maple syrup.

Smoked Salmon in Herbed Pancakes

Smoked Salmon in Herbed Pancakes

For the pancakes:

1 cup multigrain pancake mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon oil
1/3 cup finely chopped herbs (any combination of parsley, thyme and basil)

For the filling:

1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 small onion, minced
Pinch salt and pepper
5 ounces sliced smoked salmon, shredded
1/3 cup micro greens

Make pancake batter per box instructions. Stir in herbs. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, onion, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until used. Using herbed batter, cook 4 pancakes per instructions on the box. Lay pancakes on a plate. Top with salmon, add yogurt mix and then top with micro greens. Roll pancake. Secure with toothpick or kitchen twine.

Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 267
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g

Caprese Benedict with Basil Hollandaise

Caprese Benedict with Basil Hollandaise

basilholl4 English muffin halves

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced thinly

1 large heirloom tomato

8 large fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon white vinegar

4 large eggs

Black pepper and kosher salt

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 large basil leaves

¼ cup melted butter

kosher salt

black pepper

Put a shallow pot of water over medium heat to simmer and add the vinegar. While the water is simmering, make the Basil Hollandaise Sauce: Combine all of the ingredients in the blender and puree until very smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. Toast the English muffins until crispy and top them with the mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. Poach the eggs by swirling the simmering water hard with a spoon and then gently crack an egg into the center of the swirling water. Cook until the egg is half cooked through, but still runny in the center, about 3 minutes. Drain gently and top the benedict with the egg. Spoon the Basil Hollandaise over the egg. Serve hot.

 

Croque Monsieurs

Croque Monsieurs

mons2 T. of butter
3 T. flour (I used brown rice flour to make it gluten free)
2 cups of hot milk
1 tsp. of salt
1/2 tsp. of pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
12 ounces of Gruyere cheese, grated
1/2 C. freshly grated parmesan
8 croissants or 16 slices of white bread
Dijon mustard
8 ounces of ham, sliced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Melt butter in a small sauce pan, add flour and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in hot milk and whisk until sauce is thick. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 C. of Gruyere cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and set aside. Cut the croissants in half and place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 4 minutes, flip and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Remove croissants, spread Dijon mustard on one half. Add the ham and Gruyere Cheese, top with croissant. Spoon cheese sauce over each sandwich, top with more Gruyere cheese. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until tops are browned.

Deep-Fried Poached Eggs with Creamed Spinach and Serrano Ham

Deep-Fried Poached Eggs with Creamed Spinach and Serrano Ham

2367211 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 (10-oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (from firm white bread)
4 poached large eggs>
3 oz thinly sliced serrano ham or prosciutto
7 to 8 cups vegetable oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water

Whisk together cream and 2 teaspoons flour in a small bowl until just combined. Cook shallot in butter in a 9- to 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until shallot is softened, about 3 minutes. Add spinach, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until excess liquid is evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir cream mixture, then add to spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until cream is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir together bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Spread remaining 1/2 cup flour on a plate and set aside for dredging. Gently blot any water from top of poached eggs with paper towels, then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Carefully dredge 1 poached egg in flour, dusting off excess. Transfer to beaten egg, spooning to coat completely, then transfer with a slotted spoon to bread crumbs, letting excess egg drip off. Coat with crumbs and transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining poached eggs, 1 at a time. Cut sliced ham crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Heat 1 1/2 inches oil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan (about 1 1/2 inches deep) over high heat until deep-fat thermometer registers 375°F. Fry ham in oil, stirring occasionally with a clean slotted spoon to separate strips, until crisp, 15 to 20 seconds. Transfer ham to paper towels to drain. Return frying oil to 375°F. Lower 2 eggs (1 at a time on slotted spoon) into hot oil and fry until golden brown, 15 to 20 seconds. Transfer fried eggs to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining 2 eggs. Reheat spinach over low heat, stirring constantly and adding more cream or water to loosen mixture if necessary, about 1 minute. Divide creamed spinach among 4 plates, then top with poached eggs and ham.

Lemon Pancakes with Lemon Syrup

Lemon Pancakes with Lemon Syrup

lemon-pancakes-thumb1½ cups flour
1 T. sugar
¼ tsp. salt
1 T. baking powder
2 T. vegetable oil
1 egg
1¼ cups milk
Zest of one lemon
Juice of ½ lemon

1⅓ cup sugar
⅓ Cup brown sugar
⅔ Cup water
Peel of one lemon

For pancakes, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add oil, egg, milk, and lemon juice and zest, and mix well. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Butter a warm griddle, and drop batter onto pan, making each pancake about ¼ cup of batter. Let cook until edges are brown and dry. Flip pancakes and cook the other side. Meanwhile, prepare syrup by placing sugars and water in a pan, and heating over high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove peel from lemon in large chunks, and add it to the syrup. Bring to a boil, and let boil 1-2 minutes for thin syrup, 3-4 minutes for thicker syrup. Remove lemon peel pieces with a spoon and discard. Serve warm pancakes with butter and warm lemon syrup.

Huckleberry Streusel Muffins

Huckleberry Streusel Muffins

GLAC_Huckleberry_DavidRestivoNPS2 C. All Purpose Flour

1/3 C. Granulated Sugar

1 T. Baking Powder

3/4 tsp. Salt

1 C. Milk

1 Large Egg

3 T. Butter, Melted

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 C. fresh, rinsed Huckleberries

Streusel (recipe follows)

 

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; make a well in the center of the mixture. In a 2 cup glass measure, beat milk, egg, butter and vanilla; pour into center of well. Mix gently just until dry ingredients are moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Stir in huckleberries. Spoon batter equally into 12 paper lined muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. Sprinkle streusel evenly over batter. Bake at 425 until streusel is lightly browned. Remove muffins from pan and remove to wire rack to cool.

Streusel: In food processor, whir 1 C. flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar until blended. Add 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into chunks and whirl until mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Serving Size: 1 Muffin

Yield: 12 servings

Calories: 291

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 1.1g

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

Pumpkin French Toast Bake

DSCN04611 lb. stale bread, cubed

8 whole large eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 1/2 cups heavy cream

5 1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 Tablespoon vanilla

Butter for greasing

 

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 Tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

4 Tablespoons cold butter, diced

 

Extra butter and Pure Maple Syrup for topping

 

Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13″ baking dish. Place cubed bread in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add in the pumpkin puree and whisk until combined. Add in the heavy cream, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla and whisk together until incorporated. Pour custard mixture over your bread cubes, tossing gently, and let sit for 3 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard. When time is up, gently toss again and pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and place in your fridge overnight. In the morning, when you are ready to bake, remove the French toast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you heat up the oven to 350 degrees. Also, in a small bowl, mix together topping ingredients until the butter is incorporated and the mixture is pea sized. Crumble the topping evenly over the top and bake the French toast in the oven for 55-60 minutes until golden brown and puffy. Let the French toast bake cool slightly, cut large pieces for everyone (trust me here) and place a pat of butter on the top with a heavy drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Darrylann’s Baked French Toast

Darrylann’s Baked French Toast

1 lb. day old French bread, cut in cubes

8 oz. cream cheese, cut in cubes

8 eggs

1/4 cup maple syrup (or fruit syrup)

6 T. melted butter

2 1/2 Cups milk (or buttermilk or cream)

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Layer half the bread, then cream cheese, then remaining bread in 9″ x 13″ greased  baking dish. Combine eggs, syrup, milk & melted butter (must be completely melted or it won’t mix well with cold, raw eggs), cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend well. Pour over bread and cheese layers. Flatten with spatula to moisten bread.  Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.  Bake at 325 uncovered for 35-40 minutes.