Blueberry Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This is an easy make ahead recipe that would be perfect for a brunch or special occasion breakfast.  You make it the night before so there's no need to wake up at the crack of dawn to start cooking.  I like that.  More sleep = happy Heather. 

Start with some day old french bread.  I happened to have half a loaf that I made before a busy weekend of birthday parties, errands, and various running around.  We weren't home to eat it, otherwise it wouldn't have been there.  French bread doesn't last long around here. 

Pot O' Gold Bread

Is this totally cute, or what?

I'm trying to get ahead of the game and am starting to do fun St. Patrick's Day stuff before I discover that its March 16th.  I came up with this cute little bread creation on paper and was relying on luck that it would translate well in bread form.  Not too shabby, I think.  Here's how I did it:

Rosemary Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Julia hates potatoes.  She won't even eat french fries.  On the rare occasions when she gets a happy meal, she is sure to inform me that she would rather eat apples with her cheeseburger, and "NOT french fries, Mommy!"

Weird kid. 

Sammy, on the other hand, would live on french fries and tater tots if it were humanly possible.  She is my meat and potatoes girl. 

Just because one or both of my kids doesn't like a certain food, it doesn't mean that I'm going to stop serving it to them.  I like potatoes.  So I make potatoes.  And I put them on my children's plates.  It's their job to try everything on their plates, regardless of the fact that they have never liked that food in the past.  I love this rule.  And every once in a while it pays off. 

Beef Stew

My husband and I used to work together as science teachers at the same high school.   Students were frequently confused.  Especially at the beginning of the school year... "Did you know that they put 'Mr.' on the schedule?  Oooh, burn!"...  "Mr. Wilson is in the next building over.  You're in the wrong class."...  "Oh."...  *slink away*

This situation had its ups and downs.

Up:  We drove to work together so our gas bill was totally manageable.
Down:  I couldn't leave until he was ready to leave.  He's such a workaholic. 

Up:  We got to eat lunch together everyday.
Down:  We had nothing new to talk about.

Up:  We totally got to gossip to each other about people, and we always knew who the other was talking about!  I mean... we didn't gossip.  That's not nice.
Down:  We kinda gossiped about people, and we always knew who the other was talking about.  

Up:  Every year our Home Ec dept. would have a cookbook sale as a fundraiser and my hunny always bought one for me!

Brownies Baby!!

Brownies are my husband's favorite food of all time, I think.  He didn't say that.  I'm taking a leap, here.  Here's why:

1.  When I ask what kind of dessert I should make, his answer is always, "brownies."
2.  When I make brownies, he eats them.  ALL of them.
3.  If he doesn't get to eat the LAST brownie, he pouts.

I think I have a pretty good case.

I made these brownies last night and the girls and I polished off the last two while he was at work today.  Ten bucks says he has something to say about it when he gets home.  Double or nothing he demands more.

Belgian Waffles

My family loves these waffles!  They are requested often.  I love them, too.  They rank right up there with the fancy round waffles they serve you at Denny's.  You know the ones all covered in strawberries and whipped cream?  My old boyfriend used to call it the "Army Ant Special" and he made fun of me for ordering a plate of sugar for breakfast.  Did I mention we broke up?

Anyway, I love these waffles, army ant style or otherwise.

Let me make something clear right from the beginning.  You need three bowls.  Its necessary.  Don't try to simplify for the sake of fewer dishes to clean.  Your waffles will suffer for it.  Make your peace now. 

Valentine Spaghetti and Meatballs

So Valentine's Day is on Monday this year.  If you're a grown up with a job and maybe even some kids, its likely you won't be celebrating with a full shebang on a Monday night.  Or maybe you're die hard about
Valentine's Day and you are...  to each their own.  In case you're staying in, but still would like to do something to commemorate the occasion, here's an easy, Monday night dinner option with a little Valentine's twist for you.

Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

All this warm weather has had me wanting for summer foods.  So I did the best I could with my winter ingredients and tried to indulge myself.  It worked. 

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

I was in Philly once.  I didn't eat a cheese steak.  I don't know why.  Oh, yes I do.  Its because I drove right through without stopping.  Dumb move.  Next time I'm in Philly, I'll eat a cheese steak.  Until then, I'll just make one of these.  Unless anyone knows where to get a good cheese steak around here?

I used london broil cause that's what I had.  I think a thick rib eye is the preferred cut of cheese steak enthusiasts, but don't quote me on that. 

Lasagna

So this is easy.  Really.  There are tons of variations to your basic lasagna recipe but this is the way I like to make mine.

Remember that marinara sauce I made the other day?  I made it for this lasagna.  It was tasty. 

Breakfast Tacos

I have a small problem.  No one else in the universe has this same problem, I'm sure of it.  But I'll tell you all about it just in case this problem should ever arise in your lifetime.  Ready?  Here it is...




MY KIDS ARE PICKY EATERS.


I know.  Its unheard of.  I'm so embarrassed. 

Let me fill you in on a few details of my particular situation.