Carolyn Braden's Stuffed French Toast

This recipe idea comes from Woman's Day magazine (womansday.com)  After making it, I realized how many variations you can make using the basic recipe. I changed their recipe a little and it tasted delicious. Instead of the peanut butter and jelly as filling, try fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries. You could also mix together a little cream cheese and sugar for a creamy filling alternative. Try this recipe and you'll be hooked on breakfast foods forever!

8 slices bread (I used Light Oatmeal Pepperidge Farm)

Creamy Peanut Butter (I used Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter)

Any flavor of jam (I used Smucker's Strawberry, Grape, and Blackberry varieties)

3 eggs

4 tablespoons milk

cooking spray (I used Pam Grilling spray due to it being able to handle high temperatures)

Confectioners sugar, for dusting

Spread peanut butter on each slice of bread. 

Spread jelly down center of each piece. Fold bread in half, pressing the edges to seal.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Dip each of the sandwiches in the egg mixture, turning to coat. Transfer to the skillet and cook until golden brown. Dust with confectioners sugar, if desired. I also put a little maple syrup on them with the confectioners sugar. 

Carolyn Braden's Blackberry French Toast Photo

Here's a photo of the Blackberry French Toast I blogged about a while ago.  Click the link below for the recipe on my blog.  

http://cookingwithcarolynbraden.blogspot.com/2010/07/carolyn-braden-says-who-likes-brinner.html

Carolyn Braden says "Easy Crustless Mini Quiche!"

Here's a new recipe I tried the other night.  It's Crustless Broccoli and Cheddar Mini Quiche.  It comes from www.meals.com but I adjusted some of the ingredients.  You can use broccoli and red pepper like the recipe calls for, or try chopped asparagus instead.

1 can (12 oz.) Evaporated lowfat 2% milk (I only had a 5 oz. can so I substituted 7 oz. fat free half & half and it worked perfectly)

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese (I used 1 cup Italian blend and 1 cup mild cheddar instead)

2 cups chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and lightly flour twelve 2 1/2 inch muffin cups.  (I used Baker's cooking spray with flour).

Whisk evaporated milk, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until blended. Stir in cheese, broccoli, and bell pepper.  Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling to the rim. 

Bake for 23 to 28 minutes or until knifed inserted near centers comes out clean and tops are lightly browned. Cool in pans for 15 minutes.  Run knife or small, flat spatula around inside edges of muffin cups.  Carefully remove quiche.  

Carolyn Braden says "Easy Crustless Quiche", Pre-Baked Photo

Recipe:

http://cookingwithcarolynbraden.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-post_7858.html

Carolyn Braden says "Easy Crustless Quiche", Mixture Photo

Recipe: 

http://cookingwithcarolynbraden.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-post_7858.html

Carolyn Braden: Try This Mexican Tomato Bean Soup

Try this quick and easy soup anytime! This is a recipe I found on www.meals.com a long time ago. I re-organized my homemade cookbook the other day and found it. I remember how good it was so I made it last night. It reminds me of a Mexican chili.

3 Cups tomato juice

1 Can (16 oz.) refried beans

16 Ounces Salsa (mild or get a spicy style to add a kick)

1 Cup water

1 Package (1.25 oz.) taco seasoning mix

1/2 Cup "Four Cheese Mexican Blend" shredded cheese

Combine juice, beans, salsa, water, and seasoning mix in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese. Top with remaining cheese and garnish as desired.

I like to crumble tortilla chips into a bowl, ladle in some soup, and top with more cheese.  You could also try putting sour cream on top.