Saturday, December 20, 2014

Stuffed French Toast

Inspired by Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop, I'm going to share a story about a holiday-inspired recipe.

A bunch of years ago, when Christmas morning meant only parents at home, they figured that everyone should do their own thing then meet at their house for a late breakfast. Children could wake their parents and open gifts before dawn while the rest of us could saunter in around 10 to eat.

I wanted to bring something that would be filling and yummy. I searched for such a recipe and found "Stuffed French Toast" from  Cooking Light. It was a recipe makeover and it sounded yummy.  Assembled the night before, it would be perfect - all I had to do was bake it while I got ready and then bring it with me. Perfect.

It was a hit pretty much right out of the gate. It is very filling and even tastes good cold. Works with or without maple syrup.

So, that's how this became the dish I brought each year. My family tends to be pretty accepting of whatever anyone wants to make--everyone will try what you bring and while not every dish is a hit, we're a polite group. I always liked this dish, but didn't realize how much my brother Michael did, until I thought about changing it.

A couple of years ago, I mentioned to my mother that I'd found another breakfast casserole-type dish to make for Christmas. My mother is generally very open to things, but when she hesitated I was curious as to why. She likes the dish, but I didn't think she cared that much. Her response: "Let me check with Michael. He might not like that." OK mom...go for it...like he'd notice. My mother soon passed along the message from Mike that I was not to substitute nor was I to change the dish in any way and don't think about it again.

That was that. I make the dish every year for Christmas breakfast and never again will I attempt to replace it. My family is important to me and when they are happy, so am I, even if I'm only making French toast once a year for them.  If you aren't sure if what you do matters - I say to you - just try to change something you think isn't a big deal and see for yourself how important it is to someone else.

xo

9 comments:

  1. Love you too sis. Remember never change it.

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  2. I once made a baked apple pancake dish that I thought was just okay, but everyone loves it, and my daughter makes sure I have all the ingredients to make it every year. Good thing it's easy!

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    1. Michelle - isn't that the way? You don't think much of it, but when others love it ... you can't change it :)

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  3. It's good to have a tradition like that. It makes everyone feel good.

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    1. It sure is nice. And no matter what, this dish will always transport me right back to Christmas day.

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  4. this is PRECIOUS!!!!! its interesting how family recipes, food and particular memories are engrained in us...my kids, i just found out, look SO forward to special cookies my mom makes at Christmas. If she EVER decided to change them they would be horrified! Such a sweet story De!!! <3 Mike this is too cute!

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    1. Isn't it funny how food is at the center of so many memories? I love how B & M look forward to your mom's cookies...make sure she never stops making them and never changes a thing! ♥

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  5. Ha ha, isn't that the truth! :) And that sounds delicious; I am going to have to try it! :)

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