Recipes

So I am having trouble downloading pictures from the weekend. Hoping the download will happen soon and I can share the story. Just trying to keep you checking back, right? :)

I thought I would share these great recipes from the weekend. Seriously, this picture makes my mouth water. I am freezing the second French Loaf I bought last weekend and this recipe will be made again so that I can enjoy it for myself. But it is seriously easy. Here you are:
French Toast Casserole by Paula Deen
1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Maple syrup
Directions
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.


Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.

Breakfast Casserole:
1 lb Jimmy Dean hot sausage
1 1/2 cups cooked grits
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
7 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
salt & pepper to taste

Brown & drain sausage
Crumble in bottom of 9” x 13” greased casserole
Cook grits (stiff better than runny)
Add butter & cheese to cooked grits
Beat eggs, milk, salt & Pepper together
Add to slightly cooled grits mixture
Pour over sausage in casserole dish
Bake at 350 degrees for one hour

I promise, next time you have guests coming into town, both of these will not disappoint. Enjoy!