Haaaaaaaappy New Year!
Three weeks in already. Can you believe it?! How has your 2020 started off thus far?
I’ve mostly been preoccupied with the littles because my husband is in busy season. He’s in public accounting, so the first quarter of every year is usually pretty dreadful. But the kids and I are settling back into our routine after a crazy hectic holiday season. School, sports, and enjoying much needed restful days at home when we can. And I think our “routine” helps us all out, because a little bit of structure neva’ hurt nobody! You feel me, Mamas?
As a side project, I’ve also taken on planning our bi-annual family reunion. Typically we have a huge reunion, which includes extended family. But due to (a lot) of health issues and other commitments, unfortunately it was just not happening this year. But a few texts in our “cousins” group and we quickly decided we needed to get together. So here I am! Taking on my first (small) family reunion. Needless to say, this venture is taking up any spare time I have. But it will be more than worth it when we’re all together again eating, laughing, and eating some more!
Since I’ve had food on the brain (our reunions are basically centered around food, so I better not mess this up!), I thought I would share one of my favorite recipes from last year that never made it to the blog. Enter: Overnight French Toast.
When I think about my kitchen ventures of 2019, this recipe is absolutely one that sticks out. Since last year was full of pregnancy and newborn sleeplessness, I definitely gravitated towards simple, easy meals. And it doesn’t get much easier than a one bowl casserole that refrigerates overnight and gets thrown in the oven the next morning. To top it off, this is one of the best breakfast casseroles I’ve ever made. Ever.
The wonderful combination of sweet (but not too sweet), crunch, and hearty creaminess. The favors of French Toast but amped. A casserole that’s simply perfection in every way. A sure crowd pleaser for that busy weekend with visitors, or a special treat for a quiet Saturday morning with your little family. Either way, I promise you, and everyone else, will love this breakfast treat.
Cheers to 2020 and the newest addition to your recipe repertoire!
Overnight French Toast
Equipment
- 13" x 9" baking dish (deep)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
Ingredients
Casserole
- 8 tbsp. butter, cold
- 1 lb. Italian bread loaf, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 10 eggs
- 2 c. heavy whipping cream
- 1 c. milk
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
Brown Sugar Crumble
- 1 c. light brown sugar, packed
- 1 c. chopped pecans
- 1/2 c. flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 to 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Grease 13" x 9" (deep) baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Arrange bread slices in the baking dish in two rows, overlapping te slices.
- In a large bowl, light beat eggs. Whisk in cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Evenly pour the mixture over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat oven to 375ºF. Remove baking dish from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, using your fingertips or fork, mix together brown sugar, pecans, flour, and salt. Sprinkle the mixture over the bread.
- Bake casserole for 35 to 40 minutes or until browned and the inside is set but soft. Remove from oven and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup.
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