Playing Hostess and a Yummy Recipe

This past weekend, my husband's parents, sister, and brother-in-law came to visit to help us celebrate his 28th birthday. After a seriously amazing brunch at the Jefferson Hotel with lots of champagne (if you have never experienced the Champagne Brunch at the Jefferson, you are missing out and need to go...immediately!) and a little tour of downtown Richmond, everyone headed back to our house where I got to play hostess. 

David and I at the Jefferson after stuffing our faces at brunch

Up until this point, we had only had friends stay with us and even then, it was only for one night and while we have also had friends and family over for dinner quite a few times, this was the first time we felt like we truly had "company." 

Since my in-laws were staying for two days, and I had taken Monday off of work to see everyone, I was in charge of two dinners and one breakfast. Could I have ordered pizza for one of the nights to make things easy? Yes. I did not want to though. Since getting married and moving into our house, I have really embraced the whole "Susie Homemaker" thing. I enjoy cooking for others and playing hostess, so having a full house was not only a time for me to take care of others, but also kind of show off a little bit in the kitchen. :)

The most enjoyed meal by far was Monday's breakfast, which was a delicious French Toast Bake with fresh berries, bacon, and sausage patties. It was polished off in minutes and I was not even able to take a picture of how good it looked. However, I did want to share the recipe....

Ingredients:

• 1/2 stick butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 loaf of good bread (I use either challah or brioche) cut into one inch slices
• 8 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream OR half and half
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon groupnd cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup pecans (optional)

Directions:

• Spray the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Coat the bottom of the dish with half of the melted butter--save the other half for drizzling on top later.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar (and optional pecans) over the melted butter.
• Arrange the sliced bread in the dish in layers. Most likely, it will end up being two to three layers high.
• In a large bowl, slightly beat the eggs and add milf, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
• Once everything is combined, pour it over the layered bread.
• Drizzle remaining butter over top.
• Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
• In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• While the oven is preheating, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and place it on the counter.
• Remove the foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the bread is puffed and golden on top.
• Serve with maple syrup.

Enjoy!