breakfast, anyone?

My sister and her daughter are spending the night with us tomorrow night and I am very excited. I don't have a large family, or barely any family, any more. Growing up it was just my sister and I. We have six cousins, both sides of the family combined, but being six years younger than the next youngest cousin I was never really close to any of them. My mom's lack of closeness with her sister-in-law led to a pretty non existent relationship with that aunt and uncle. While I was close to both sets of grandparents they have been gone for some time, the last one passing away back when I was in college. My father passed away shortly before I met my husband, and my mother has now been gone six months. My father's sister and brother-in-law, who are a great aunt and uncle to us and who are great with the kids, are aging, and my cousins are spread out throughout the country. It is basically just my sister and me. And while we are very different people who do not always see eye to eye I do enjoy spending time with her. Plus I like to have house guests. I'm weird that way. So I am looking forward to having overnight guests tomorrow night.

I have pulled out the basket of fluffy towels and toiletries. Because our guest bathroom is now the boy's bathroom I keep a basket filled with essentials for guests hidden away. I have checked for pillows and made sure the extra sheets are clean. I'll help the boys pick up their toys and straighten their rooms tonight before bed.

So now I am thinking about breakfast on Saturday morning. Three adults and three kids to feed, without becoming a short order cook. I think I'll make my french toast casserole. I know my family likes it, and hopefully my sister's family will too!

french toast casserole
12 slices dry white bread, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2  8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, cut into 3/4 inch cubes. (optional)
1 cup fresh or frozen berries (I like using fresh raspberries)
12 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup

(the bread needs to be dry. I use the same method as I would for making bread crumbs. cut the bread into the 1/2 inch cubes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet or in a large baking pan. bake, uncovered, at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring a few times. cool before use in the casserole.)

Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of a well greased baking dish. Sprinkle cream cheese cubes and berries over bread cubes. Layer remaining bread cubes over fruit.

In separate bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, and syrup. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture. Cover tightly with saran wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Casserole can be chilled for up to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove saran wrap and cover dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for at least another additional 25 minutes. When done knife will come out clean and top will be puffed up and browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with warm syrup.

 

 

I like to make this recipe with raspberries, although the day I took the picture I had frozen blueberries in the freezer. There are so many reasons that I love this recipe. First of all, it is very easy to make. it is made with relatively wholesome ingredients. It can be made ahead of time. But the main reason I like it is because it is very easy to make with my oldest son. He loves to help Mommy in the kitchen, and this is the perfect meal for him to assist. And he is so proud when it is served!