Amazing Overnight Blueberry French Toast Breakfast Bake

Blueberries oh how I love thee...
This was not always the case for me.  Many blueberry seasons came and went with no heed, summer berry salads were passed over due to their inclusion of blueberries, even blueberry muffins were a big. fat. nope!
Then I read and read again of the wonders of these dark, super food berries.  These nutritional dynamos that were loaded with antioxidants and anthocyanins, and I just HAD to give them another chance.  Enter my favorite breakfast to save the day...my beloved friend French Toast.  But wouldn't those dark little berries ruin everything?
I was overjoyed with the flavor combination of cream cheese with the berries amidst crispy, tasty mounds of delicious sourdough bread.  Could it get any better?  Oh yes, yes, yes it could and it did!!  The second time I made this scrumptious delight I decided to include the Blueberry Sauce.  Allow me to add: Mind. Blown.
Taste for yourself and see.  Even with a family of 8 one pan is more than adequate for this overnight breakfast delight.  You will thank yourself again and again in the morning. This is also a perfect dish to prepare when entertaining overnight guests.

Now updated with recipe video here:

Ingredients:

12 Slices stale French Bread

12 Eggs

2 Cups Milk

1 T. Vanilla Extract

1/3 Cup Maple Syrup

2 8oz Pkg. Cream Cheese

1-2 Cups Fresh Blueberries

2 T. Cornstarch

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Water

Your children and husband will lavish you with praises while you reply it is no big deal.  After all, you are the mom.  By the way, could we please stop saying I’m JUST a mom? We are so much more than merely moms. We are chosen by God’s to be His child. We are treasured, dearly loved, and bought with a price. It is not right for us to belittle that which our God holds so precious. Isn't it a privilege that we are Mamas, enabled to carry a life, and blessed with a sacred job to do.

Melissa

Cooking Up Fun

Part of our job as parents is to produce individuals who are capable of successfully caring for a household of their own one day.  Rearing kids that are producers vs. consumers is a challenge.  My husband and I want our son to be a loving provider and protector of his own family. That is why everyone (not just the girls) takes a turn at being the Kitchen Helper on the chore rotation. I know for a fact that he prefers this job to his tasks as Baby Helper for the week. One way he can provide and care for his wife is by ministering to her needs during illness or after the delivery of a new child. Some men also find time in the kitchen enjoyable. I know my son enjoys every minute of mess-making in there! Here are a few shots of Freckles as he prepares his Chicken Fingers. I'll jot down the recipe below.

Now run to the pantry and refrigerator and collect these items:

2 Cups Shredded Wheat Cereal (not Frosted) 1/2 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese

1/2 tsp. Seasoned Salt 1/4 tsp. Paprika 1/8 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/2 Cup Mayonnaise 1 T. Honey 2 tsp. prepared Mustard

1 lb. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 x 2-inch strips.



Crush up the cereal and pour into a shallow pan for coating. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine cereal, Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, paprika, and garlic powder in shallow pan. Combine mayo, honey, and mustard in another shallow dish. Stir chicken strips into the mayo mixture, roll in cereal mixture to coat evenly. Place on rack in shallow baking pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until strips are no longer pink in center. Or, you can place them in a deep fryer in small batches as I have done here. Enjoy your meal and your time together as family.
Enjoying Dixie Living,
Melissa

Pancake Mix

Even with the meal planning I do, I am constantly plagued with the same question each morning, "What's for breakfast Mom?" It is nice to be able to refer them to the list and know that there is a healthy breakfast waiting to start their day. However, I also am VERY interested in convenience as well. So often the convenience foods available at the store are some of the worst things we can use to fuel our bodies. The following is a great recipe for a Pancake Mix that I keep in the refrigerator so that it is ready to use and simple enough for even my 9 year old to prepare.






Start by assembling your ingredients for the mix as pictured here. You will need the following:



4 Cups Quick Oats
1 Cup Nonfat Dry Milk
2 Cups All-purpose Flour
2 T Ground Cinnamon
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 T + 1 1/2 t. Salt
3 T Baking Powder
1/2 t. Cream of Tartar


Simply stir the dry ingredients together and store in your refrigerator. When you are ready to use the mix you will need to prepare the pancake batter.


1. Beat 2 Eggs 2. Add 1/3 C Vegetable Oil

3. Beat in 2 Cups Mix and 1 1/4 Cups of Water





Prepare on griddle or in skillet as usual, top with a little real butter and some honey. This is a tasty breakfast you and your kiddos will enjoy!



Many thanks to my demonstrator Tender Heart who was kind enough to prepare this and several other breakfasts. You are such a help to this busy Mama. These happy smiles and full tummies are a great way to start the day.
Enjoying Dixie Living,
Homespun HoneyBee

Fresh Savings for the Homestead

• How can I save the most money on fresh fruits and vegetables?
  In the summer I utilize a CSA, and in the winter (my husband is particular) – I buy whatever is the best buy by looking at the sale ads for that week. So, I go every day or two and buy from Kroger, Publix, and Trader Joe's.  Simply whatever is cheapest, organic, and on sale that week are my criteria.   I often purchase frozen berries from Trader Joes since they are really inexpensive.
  
  What is the big "organic" deal?
• You may find considerable savings by buying only the “Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables organic? Is there a nearby Farmer’s Market?  Many smaller local farms may not be *certified* organic, but the fruits and veggies are often much better choices than conventionally grown produce that is shipped to you from factory farms. You may learn that they did not use pesticides at all…you will just have to ask the farmers!
  
  What about fruits?

• If your family enjoys frozen berries, then try looking for local u-pick farms in the summer. These may not be 100% organic, but I have found smaller farmers are less likely to be putting as many industrial chemicals on their plants.  Get the kids involved and pick as much as you can afford, wash and freeze it. We pick at least 20 quarts of strawberries annually and freeze for smoothies and such. I know it wouldn't be prudent to buy them throughout the winter otherwise, they're too expensive! I also find great deals at the Farmers Market my town hosts each weekend. I bought 10 quarts of fresh blackberries at $2 each just to freeze. I also froze the peaches we purchased after I got tired of canning them.  $12 for half-bushel was a great price! I can always find great prices on apples from the north Georgia Mountains, minimally sprayed for just $10 a bushel. Start looking in the summer and in a few years you will have your own list of farmers and contacts to help get fresh fruits and veggies in season to can, dehydrate or freeze. They are better tasting and local!!
  
  Where have you found the best local fruits and veggie buys for your family?
  
  Enjoying Dixie Living,
  Melissa