There is so much news out there about how you’re supposed to eat right? It’s mind boggling at times. You don’t have to be a perfect eater to be a healthy eater. Simply strive to choose a variety of foods, eat your fruits and veggies, and take time to make eating a social, nurturing activity. If you have children, eating together as a family is always a good idea – not just for the nutrition, but also for the important bonding that can occur at the table.

For instance, putting together a quick Sunday brunch can help create some special family time on the weekend. It doesn’t have to be complicated – it can be easy! Like this French Toast recipe. All you have to do is assemble it the night before, then bake it on Saturday or Sunday morning for your weekend brunch. Add some sliced fresh fruit – whatever is handy and in season (I enjoy apple and pear slices now, along with peeled clementines or oranges), a pitcher of milk, a carafe of coffee or pot of tea – and BOOM! You have a balanced family brunch.

Overnight French Toast

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Makes 9 servings in an 8×8 inch pan (or 15 servings in a 9×13 inch pan). The beauty of this type of recipe, is that it’s not precision cooking. You can add more eggs, more cinnamon, use different sized pans – it’s all good! If your bread is larger (such as a bolle), cut slices in half. The heartier the bread the better. Use a good quality bread (not packaged sliced bread) for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

5 eggs (use 8 for 11×13 pan)

4 ounces low fat milk (6 ounces)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (3/4 teaspoon cinnamon)

1/2 teaspoon sugar (3/4 teaspoon)

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)

9 slices whole grain bread, sliced about 1/2 inch thick (11-14 slices)

Use a good hearty bread. You can also use a pumpkin seed bread, or a whole grain bread with raisins.

METHOD

  1. Grease a glass baking dish with butter, or vegetable oil spray
  2. Mix eggs, milk, spice, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat well.
  3. Place bread slices into baking dish, covering bottom.
  4. Pour egg mixture over bread, coating it all (add more milk if needed. You can also sprinkle with nutmeg).
  5. Refrigerate overnight.
  6. The following morning – Bake in a 350 degree oven, for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Cut into squares. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, or serve with maple syrup.