Brunch – The New Way to Party

With times hard and many people unemployed or underemployed, having a big dinner party for friends can be cost-prohibitive.

The new alternative – brunch!  A nice casual gathering to enjoy a fusion of breakfast and lunch is a great way to get together without having to spend a lot on food and drinks and still enjoy friendship and family.

Ideas for fun brunch include:

• Make your own omelet.
• Create your own coffee flavor.
• A themed buffet such as Mexican flavors

Here is a recipe from McCormick spices for delicious stuffed French toast.

• 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons McCormick Ground Cinnamon, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, divided
• 16 slices Italian bread (1/2 inch thick)
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves or jam
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

Preparation

1. Mix cream cheese, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 teaspoon vanilla in small bowl until well blended. Spread 2 tablespoons cream cheese mixture on each of 8 slices bread. Spread 1 tablespoon preserves on remaining 8 slices of bread. Press one each of the bread slices together to form 8 sandwiches.
2. Beat eggs with wire whisk in 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Stir in milk, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Dip sandwiches in egg mixture, soaking for 2 minutes on each side.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large nonstick skillet or griddle on medium-low heat. Place 4 sandwiches in skillet. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, melting remaining tablespoon butter in skillet. Serve French toast with maple syrup, if desired.

Serves
Makes 8 servings

Preparation Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

SOURCE:
McCormick