Crunchy Maple Challah French Toast

Brunch is my favorite thing ever.... that's no secret, but truth be told I've gotten kind of bored with going out. So, when this recipe popped up on my Facebook feed I became mildly obsessed but I could never find it again so I created my own. Good decision. 

Crunchy Maple Challah French Toast
(serves 5)

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 loaf Challah bread (sliced in thick slices)

3 eggs

1.5 cups whipping cream

2 TBSP vanilla

1/4 maple syrup

4 cups crushed corn flakes

Cranberry Apple Chutney

Cranberry Chutney:  Ready to be cooked!

By popular demand I pop by the ole Young Grasshopper to share this AWESOME Cranberry Chutney recipe. 

I love this stuff, sweet and tangy.

This recipe makes 6 Pints plus 1 1/2 pint. Great gifts.... I use it on sandwiches, on Brie [try it in a baked Brie.... YUM] on Crostini and of course on the Thanksgiving table.

WHAT YOU NEED:

6 Golden Delicious apples, peeled & chopped [chunky --see picture above]
4 bags cranberries, rinsed
3 cups light brown sugar

Cranberry Chutney Brie Bites

1 cup champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves

WHAT YOU DO:
Throw it all in a large pan, toss to coat the fruit with the sugar/spices and then heat over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes.

I then "sorta can" it....  I use Mason jars and fill hot and invert for a couple minutes to seal. It will last for months in refrigerator [but not REALLY canned].

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!

Be Thankful every day <3

A Cocktail Life: Welcome

Since I've been less than reliable thought I'd pimp my good friend Anita's new venture..... A Cocktail Life.  I know I need a steady influx of great drink ideas!  Today she is featuring a FABULOUS Not So Simple Syrup cocktail but looking back over her opening posts.... I'm a subscriber and you should be too!

Anyone with a philosophy like this is my kind of person!

A Cocktail Life: Welcome: A very warm welcome to all you friends, old and new.  If you know us from Hungry Couple then you've noted that we shake a mean cocktai...

I'm All About Cute Food {tortellini kabob recipe}

Tortellini Kabob Appetizer

I know I've been largely MIA.... as penance thought I'd try to throw out a couple festive EASY make ahead appetizers each week as the holidays stroll up and get us.  These are so good and truly best if they are made the day before but not required.

This recipe will make about 80 kabobs.... cut it down as you need, but they keep as a yummy snack for a few days in fridge so don't skimp too much :)


Tortellini Kabobs

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 package of tortellini [I used the mixed spinach and white so I'd have even more color]
1 quart cherry or grape tomatoes [halved]
3 yellow or orange peppers [cleaned & cut into small squares]
1/2 cup of your favorite Italian Dressing or Vinaigrette
80 6-inch bamboo sticks

Cook your tortellini as per package instructions to al dente, drain and set aside to cool while you cut your vegetables.

Once prepped start kabob-ing.... tomato "cap up" then green tortellini, then pepper, then white tortellini and finish with a tomato "cap down" line up in a Tupperware or glass 9x13 dish drizzling lightly the dressing on each layer before piling the next on top.  No need to separate these, I've had no sticking issues.  Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to use.

They are bright, festive and no fuss appetizer or light luncheon item.  Enjoy!

A Bloody Good Sangria for your Halloween Festivities! {Blackberry Lychee Sangria with Eyeballs!}

Blackberry Lychee Sangria with Eyeballs

Boo!

I adore Halloween and this is one of my favorite Halloween Cocktails.... that said, remove the eyeballs and it's a great Sangria for any time of year :)






What You Need
 1 (750-ml) bottle red wine {I prefer a Shiraz-Cabernet Blend for a dark spiciness}
1/4 cup Blackberry Not So Simple Syrup
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup Triple Sec
1 can Lychees* reserve syrup
1 dozen or so maraschino cherries
1 (750-ml) bottle sparkling water, chilled
optional:  dry ice

 What You Do

Combine everything but the sparkling water and Lychees in a large glass pitcher. Cover and chill completely, 1 to 2 hours.

Open the Lychee can and stuff each Lychee with a maraschino cherry where the pit once was, if the cherries are too large tear in half so as to not tear the lychee. Store in their juice in a covered container until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, add the sparkling water, lychee eyeballs and syrup.

If you are extra spookilicious.... add a small piece of dry ice to the pitcher [make sure it's not too full or it'll bubble over] to make it a smokey, bubbly brew!

DOUBLE BOO!

*Lychees are found in the canned fruit section of most Asian Markets, they are peeled, pitted and in a light syrup.