Caramel Pecan French Toast
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons light-color corn syrup
1 cup chopped pecans
36 to 40 1/2 slices baguette-style French bread (about two 8 oz. loaves or 18 1/2-inch slices French bread)
6 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 teaspoon nutmeg
In saucepan, stir together brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Heat and stir until the butter is melted and brown sugar is dissolved. Pour into 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the pecans.
Arrange half of the bread slices in a single layer in dish. Sprinkle with the remaining pecans and top with the remaining bread slices.
In a bowl, stir together eggs, milk and vanilla. Slowly pour over bread. Press lightly with back of a large spoon to moisten bread.
Stir together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle over bread. Cover and chill in refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours.
Bake, uncovered, in a 350º for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes. To serve, remove individual servings with wide spatula and invert onto serving plates. Make 9 servings.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Eggs
12 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
12 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sour cream
12 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Stir together first 4 ingredients; set aside. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add egg mixture, stirring occasionally until eggs are set but moist; remove from heat and cool. Stir in sour cream. Spread mixture in a buttered 2-quart shallow baking dish; top with bacon and cheese. Cover dish and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake at 300º for 15 to 20 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.
Fruity Smoothie
1 ripe large banana, peeled
1 can (8 oz.) pineapple chunks, undrained
1 cup frozen mixed berries or blueberries, partially thawed
1 carton (8 oz.) blueberry or mixed berry yogurt
Slice banana into blender or food processor container. Add pineapple chunks, mixed berries and yogurt. Cover; blend until smooth. Makes 3 servings
Variations: Replace 1 cup mixed berries and blueberry yogurt with: Peaches, raspberries or strawberries and same flavored yogurt.
