Banana and Raspberry French Toast Goodness...

I was a big hater of french toast growing up. In fact I was a big hater of most food growing up. You'd think I was a different person.

There seem to be so many different ways to make french toast these days, it's pretty much not possible to dislike it. Brioche, bread, muffins, croissants, french stick - you name it, it's all good.

Being the great girlfriend that I am* I made my boyfriend french toast in the weekend. It could be filled with nearly anything. Nutella would be especially good I think. I just stuck to using Raspberry jam, a good dollop of butter and sliced banana as well as a touch or more of maple syrup..

Maybe you'd like to surprise a special someone with this sweet goodness too?

Banana and Raspberry French Toast

You will need:

2 slices bread/brioche/muffins/whatever tickles your fancy!

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

vanilla essence

2 tablespoons raspberry jam

1 banana, sliced

1/4 cup frozen raspberries

1 tablespoon icing sugar

maple syrup

How to:

Whisk eggs together well. Add milk and vanilla. Spread jam and butter on both pieces of bread. Top one slice of bread with sliced banana then place the other piece on top. Press down together. Soak sandwich into egg mixture, making sure all bread is completely covered.

Heat a dollop of butter in a frying pan, making sure the pan is not too hot (if butter turns brown, pan is too hot). Once the right temperature, place the sandwich on the pan. Cook for about five minutes on each side until golden brown.

Meanwhile, place frozen berries in microwave until soft. Stir in icing sugar.

Top french toast with any left over sliced banana and the raspberries. Do I need to mention drizzle over maple syrup to your hearts content? I didn't think so...

Apricot Granola

I used to get paid to cook family meals, snacks and well anything really. It was mean't to be a nanny job but I spent more time cooking than I did looking after the children. It was pretty great.

My 'nanny mum' often requested this Granola as it was one of her favorites. I hope you like it too.

Apricot Granola

You will need (this recipe is VERY adaptable so if you don't have everything, mix and match):

2 cups nuts (e.g. almonds, cashews etc.)

1/2 cups sunflower seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup coconut

4 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup maple syrup/honey

1 1/2 cup salad oil

1/2 cup dried apricots, cut however you like them

1/2 cup processed bran

Pre-heat oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Combine all the nuts and grains in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the oil and maple syrup. Pour this into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix together.

Cook in roasting pans for about 45 minutes, turning every 10-15minutes to cook evenly to a golden brown. Remove from oven and mix in apricots and bran.

Serve with milk and fruit, as a topping on yoghurt/ice cream or simply stick your paws into the container and enjoy!

Blueberry and Apple Pikelets

I love spending my weekend mornings in the kitchen making a leisurely brunch or breakfast - especially when there are people around to eat it with! My friend down the road often takes advantage of this.

Last Saturday morning I made some blueberry and apple pikelets. I used a recipe from the trusty old Edmonds cookbook, and added grated apple and blueberries.

Here's the recipe in case you'd like to have them yourself this weekend:

Ingredients:

1 Cup Flour
1 Tsp Baking Powder
Salt
1/4 Cup Sugar
1 Egg
3/4 Cup Milk
1 Apple Grated
1/2 Cup Blueberries (frozen or fresh)

Process:

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, beat egg and sugar until thick. Add apple and mix to combine. Add this mixture with the milk to the sifted ingredients.

Gently fold in blueberries.

Drop tablespoons of the mixture from the point of the spoon onto a hot, lightly greased girdle or non-stick frying pan.

Turn over when bubbles start to burst on top surface. Cook second side until golden.
Makes 10-12.

Serve warm drizzled with maple syrup, sliced banana and a dollop of ice cream...