Perfect French Toast

Feb 2, 2015

Start Valentine’s Day with a sweet breakfast surprise for your loved one. This quick and easy French Toast recipe tastes so good, your sweetheart will think you slaved in the kitchen all morning.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey, warmed in microwave for 10-15 seconds (you can substitute with Amber Agave Sweetener if you wish)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 (1/2-inch) slices stale Brioche, Challah Bread, or any other good quality bread
• Butter for grilling

Directions

1. Preheat your nonstick griddle or skillet to 300°F and your oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk together the first 4 ingredients until thoroughly combined.  Pour mixture into a shallow dish and soak the bread in the batter.  You may have to soak the bread in small batches. Soak one side of the bread for two minutes and then turn it over and soak the other side for about one minute.
3. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Remove the soaked bread and place on wire rack for a few minutes to allow excess to drip off and to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
4. Add butter to the griddle or skillet and grill bread slices; about 2 minutes on each side. Be careful not to let bread burn or become too brown.
5. Remove the slices from the griddle and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Place in the oven and cook for about 5 minutes to finish cooking through to the center of the bread.
6. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
7. Garnish with powdered sugar, cinnamon, agave nectar, or honey if desired.

King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Round Bread is also a delicious alternative for making French Toast. See their famous recipe on kingshawaiian.com

Baked Macaroni & Cheese for Two

Feb 2, 2015

Made with a creamy sauce using three different types of cheese, this macaroni & cheese is comforting, delicious and just perfect for two!

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons very fine breadcrumbs
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni or fusilli rigati
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/4 cups freshly grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Using 2 tablespoons of the butter, grease the sides and bottoms of two 12-ounce ramekins. Gently dust with breadcrumbs, shaking out any excess, and place ramekins on a baking sheet. Set aside.
2. Cook the pasta: Add water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add salt and pasta and cook for about 5-7 minutes. (note: the pasta will be slightly undercooked but will finish cooking when baked. Drain pasta and set aside.
3. Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until lightly golden brown. Gradually add the milk and stir constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Add mustard and salt and pepper, to taste; stir. Add 1 cup of the Gruyère cheese, along with the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the mixture has thickened. Add the pasta to the cheese mixture and mix gently until pasta is coated.
4. Spoon mixture into greased ramekins and top each with remaining 1/4 cup of Gruyère cheese. Season top of cheese with salt and pepper and bake for 25-35 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden brown.