2 minute read
Life’s a Beach
FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE WITH SAUTÉED APPLES
Yields 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
n▢1 French bread loaf n▢8 large eggs n▢1½ cups milk n▢2 tsp. cinnamon n▢1 Tbs. vanilla extract n▢¼ cup sugar n▢maple syrup, to taste n▢powdered sugar, to taste
For the brown sugar cinnamon topping:
n▢4 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted n▢2 Tbs. brown sugar n▢1 Tbs. sugar n▢1 tsp. cinnamon n 1/8 tsp. salt
For the apple compote:
n▢2 Granny Smith apples, sliced ¼-inch thick n▢2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted n▢1 Tbs. orange juice
DIRECTIONS:
Spray a 9x13 baking dish liberally with non-stick cooking spray.
Next, cut or tear your bread into cubes or small pieces and place into a large bowl. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and orange juice and whisk until combined.
Pour the mixture over your bread cubes and gently fold until combined. Transfer coated bread to the prepared glass baking dish, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight.
Once ready to bake, remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and preheat oven to 375°F.
Prepare your brown sugar cinnamon topping by combining melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Spoon mixture evenly over the top of your French toast casserole and bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes or until it is a light golden brown and your desired level of crispiness.
Place on a wire cooling rack to cool for 10 minutes.
While waiting for casserole to cool bring a sauté pan to medium heat. Add butter, apples and orange juice and sauté for about 8-10 minutes or until apples have softened.
Top with apple compote and sifted powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
If you don’t like apples or are allergic to them, skip the apple compote and top with fresh pineapple and dried coconut instead. Swap coconut sugar for brown sugar to boost the coconut flavor too.”
AMERICAN STRATA WITH HAM, BREAD, ONIONS, CHEESE AND EGGS
Yields 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
n 10 cups bread, cubed n 3 cups cooked ham, cubed n▢1½ cup cheddar cheese, grated n 1½ cup Monterey cheese, grated n 9 large eggs n▢2 cups milk n▢1 tsp. salt n▢1 tsp. dry mustard n▢½ tsp. garlic powder n ¼ tsp. black pepper n chives, for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Butter or coat with cooking spray a 9x11-inch baking dish. Layer in bread, ham and cheeses.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, mustard, garlic powder and pepper. Slowly pour over bread, ham and cheese. Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Take strata out of the fridge. Heat oven to 375°F. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Remove foil and continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffy.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-8 minutes before serving. Can be stored, covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
