Breakfast for the guests…

My whole family would be quick to tell you that I am not much of a morning person.  So, whenever we have overnight guests, I plan on something that takes minimal morning time effort. 

If you are planning overnight guests, check this out.  Apple Pie French Toast is easy because you do all the preparation the night before and in the morning, heat the oven & pop it in.   Forty minutes later you have this amazingly sweet whole breakfast meal. 

Enjoy and happy breakfasting!!

 Apple Pie French toast

Cooked 10/26/09

Servings 8

Prep time: approximately

Bake time: 40 – 45 minutes

Preheat oven 375^o

Ingredients:

½ cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon – separated

2 Tablespoons reduced calorie and fat butter spread – melted

2 apples, peeled – cored and thinly sliced

¼ cup raisins

½ loaf Challah bread – cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup egg substitute

1 cup skim milk

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Spray a 13 X 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Combine brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter spread.  Add apples and raisins and toss.  Set aside.
3. Layer bread on the bottom of the baking pan.  Mix egg substitute, milk, nutmeg, vanilla and remaining cinnamon until well blended.  Pour mixture over bread, soaking completely. 
4. Spread apple mixture evenly over top of a bread mixture. 
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 
6. Bake covered with foil, for 40 minutes.  Uncover and bake an additional 4 – 5 additional minutes.  Remove and let stand for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

TIP: If you cannot find Challah bread, any egg bread or soft sweet bread will also work.

Estimated Values per serving:

Calories = 302                                              Fat = 4 grams

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Soup for dinner tonight…

It was one of those cold and rainy days, the perfect day for some hot soup for dinner.  I’ve been making this all winter since it’s one of my family’s favorites.  Enjoy & Happy cooking…

French Onion Soup

Prep and cook time: about 1 ½ hours

Serves 6

Ingredients:

4 large sweet white onions – thinly sliced

Cooking spray

¼ cup sherry

1 tablespoon brown sugar

6 cups reduced fat beef broth

1 tablespoon fresh thyme – minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)

6 slices French bread – toasted

6 slices reduced fat Swiss or provolone cheese

Directions:

1. Heat large saucepot on medium heat and spray with cooking spray.  Add onions, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Uncover pot and cook another 10 minutes until onions are browned, stirring frequently.  Note: If onions begin to stick to the bottom of the pot, add 1 tablespoon of water and stir.
3. Add sherry and sugar and cook until liquid is absorbed.
4. Add beef broth and thyme.  Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes.
5. To serve – scoop a serving of soup in a bowl.  Place a slice of bread then a slice of cheese on top so that it rests on the bread.  Broil in the oven for about 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.

Another soup night…

We visited my father-in-law today and promised to bring an onion soup since it’s one of our favorites. This soup is always a big hit with friends and family, is so easy to prepare and didn’t disappoint tonight.

Happy Cooking!!

French Onion Soup
Serves 6

Ingredients:
5 large sweet white onions – thinly sliced
Cooking spray
¼ cup sherry
1 tablespoon brown sugar
6 cups reduced fat beef broth
1 tablespoon fresh thyme – minced (or 1 teaspoon dried)
6 slices French bread – toasted
6 slices reduced fat Swiss cheese (or provolone)

Directions:
1. Heat large saucepot on medium low heat and spray with cooking spray. Add onions, cover, and cook for 10 – 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Increase heat to medium and cook another 15 minutes until onions are browned, stirring frequently.
3. Add sherry and sugar and cook until liquid is absorbed.
4. Add beef broth and thyme. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes.
5. To serve – scoop a serving of soup in a bowl. Place a slice of bread then a slice of cheese on top so that it rests on the bread. Broil in the oven for about 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.