A spring breakfast!

French toast is a childhood favorite. It requires little ingredients and not much skill to make. By making the stuffed version, it becomes something even more miraculous. It add depths of flavor and texture. This french toast is perfect for spring and summer. Once you try this dish you will be making it again and again!

 Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

Cream Cheese Filling

Serves: 3-4 servings      Cook Time:  5 min   Prep Time: 5 min

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese,softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 meyer lemon, zested
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• pinch salt

Strawberries

Sweet Strawberries

• 2/3 pound strawberries, quartered
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon strawberry jelly

French Toast

• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 slices crusty white bread or brioche bread
• butter to fry in

Directions

Combine all ingredients for cream cheese and set aside. Combine all ingredients for strawberries and set aside. For French toast, combine eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar and mix to combine. Place bread in egg mixture until soaked through. Place on preheated nonstick pan and cook until golden brown, then flip and repeat with remaining side. Repeat with remaining bread. To assemble, place2-3 tablespoons cream cheese on one side of toast. Then place a generous spoonful of strawberries and top with a slice french toast. Garnish with additional strawberries and powdered sugar.

Fabulous French Toast

Make ahead brunch for a crowd!

 I usually make this dish for easter brunch, but it is delicious anytime of year. Fritatta's are a fabulous way to utilize leftovers. Feel free to substitute other cooked vegetables such as peppers, spinach, or whatever you have on hand. For a richer dish, substitute cream for milk. For a lower fat version use skim milk.

Ready to go in the oven!

Mushroom and caramelized onion frittata
Serves: 12-14  Cook Time: 40 min      Prep Time:  20 min

• 18 eggs
• 1 lb. mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 onions, caramelized
• 1 tablespoon rosemary, minced fine
• 8 oz gruyere, shredded
• salt and pepper

Directions

Whisk eggs until blended. Add milk, rosemary, salt and pepper and combine. Add mushrooms, onion, and cheese. Stir together. Place in a sprayed 12x9 dish. Cook at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean. Let cool slightly before cutting. It will allow for easier slicing. A slice in between an english muffin makes a fabulous breakfast sandwich!

A fabulous breakfast!

A nutty smoothy!

Smoothies are my go to morning breakfast. They are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they taste delicious too! It's a great way to sneak some veggies in as well. This smoothie is so scrumptious that it could be served as a dessert. Sometimes, I add cacao powder for an extra oxidant boost. If your allergic to peanuts, substitute cashew, almond, or walnut butter. To spice this drink up a bit add cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Serves: 2   Cook Time: 0 min      Prep Time: 2 min

• 1 Cup Milk or Milk Substitute
• 1 large ripe Banana, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
• 1 Teaspoon Honey
• a handful of ice

Directions

Place all ingredients in blender and enjoy.

A tropical granola!

Granola is a wonderful snack and easily adaptable to whatever maybe in your pantry. It's fabulous with milk or yogurt. This granola would taste delightful with some fresh pineapple or mangoes. It will bring your senses to the tropics. Right now in Ohio, we are not yet experiencing spring weather, but this granola will make your day much brighter and warmer.

Don't forget to make this granola your own. Use whatever nuts or dried fruit you have around the house. You may also switch out the sweetener for brown sugar, sugar or agave nectar if you like. For a richer, granola you may use butter in place of coconut oil.

For a nutrient kick, add flaxseeds, chia seeds or even some dried milk for a protein boost.

Tropical Flavors

Hawaiian Granola

Mixed Granola

Serves: 8-10   Cook Time: 35-40 min      Prep Time: 5 min

• 3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
• 1 Cup Macademia Nut, roughly chopped
• 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
• 1 Egg White, slightly beaten
• 1/2 Cup Honey
• 1/4 Cup Melted Coconut Oil
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cardamom
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Cup Crystallized Ginger, minced

Directions

Combine all ingredients except crystallized ginger. Bake at 325 degree F for 40 minutes or until golden brown and dried out. Stirring every 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Then add crystallized ginger and stir to combine.

Finished Granola

A great way to start your day!

Want a wonderful way to start your day? This smoothie is your answer. It's loaded with powerful antioxidants within the blueberries, cacao, cherries, honey and greens. It is both filling and tastes wonderful. I love this smoothie! You'll feel great, and your body will love it too!








Antioxidant Smoothie

Serves: 2         Cook Time: 0 min         Prep Time: 5 min

• 1 Cup sweet cherries frozen
• ½ Cup blueberries
• 1 T cacao powder
• 3/4 Cup almond milk or yogurt
• 1 Cup spinach, arugula or other leafy green
• 1 T honey

Directions

Place in blender and puree.