Today I turned 38. In some ways I feel like I have already lived so much, but then again there’s a long ways to go until it’s my turn on the side of that Smucker’s jar. (It’s happening Willard, it’s happening.)
Tonight we kept the celebrating low key. Pizza at our favorite joint with Sketts and Binger in tow. Life is good and the right now could not be better. I am beyond grateful for every single birthday I get to spend with my people. They are worth a mountain of wrinkles, grey hairs and saggy whatever’s.
Some people do not believe in love at first sight. I not only believe it, I’ve lived it…twice.
The first time I laid eyes on these gorgeous beings my heart exploded into a million pieces. They are everything I ever wanted and everything I never knew I needed. This whole mom gig is seriously the best job ever.
Thank you to all the beautiful souls out there who take on the role of mom. Whether you officially carry the title or not – if you have made someone feel unconditional love then you have done the job of mom. And let’s face it, the world can never have too much love (and mommas).
We celebrated Cinco de Mayo a day late by whipping up one of our favorites – mexican casserole. The only complaint I have with this dish is the mess that the veggies make of my pan. It is well worth it, but a headache to clean nonetheless.
To be fair Sticky generally does most dish duty. But like anyone else, when he sees a pan crusted with burnt bits of food he fills it with hot water and sets it aside for a later time. Aka “maybe Brand will get to it.” Can’t say I blame the guy. Who really enjoys scrubby baked on food out of a pan?
It wasn’t until recently we realized how easy it was to clean our scorched stainless pans (and Le Creuset’s). All you need is some vinegar and baking soda – 2 things you probably already have in your home. Just look how bad my pan was:
That’s my nasty pan. I didn’t even attempt to get out the big pieces.
This is my pan after filling it 1/4″ full with vinegar (white or cider) and bringing to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes – scraping with a heatproof spatula every now and then. For a not so severe pan of scorched food this step in and of itself does the trick. Clearly mine was in need of serious guck removal so onto step 3 we go.
For this go you fill the pan 1/4″ full with water and add a cup of vinegar. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle baking soda on top (about a tablespoon – it will foam when you add it). Let sit for a minute or two and dump everything out – wiping away any bits. The end result for me was much closer to clean and manageable for scrubbing.
If you have some stubborn brown/black spots left – like I did – simply sprinkle baking soda over the area and add a little hot water. Scrub with brush or scoring pad. Good news is you shouldn’t have to put a lot of effort into since you already started the lifting process of getting it off.
Voila! A clean pan! Yes the boiling cider stinks up the house but I’ll take smelliness over endless scrubbing of a dirty pan. Hopefully this helps you with any “I’ll get those later” pans you have sitting around.
I’m not sure what it is about Spring that puts me in the mood to brunch but lately all I want is french toast, potatoes and blood mary’s. Maybe it’s all the dishes laced with fruit, or eggs paired with bright veggies. Regardless it’s my favorite meal of the day with this dish being right at the top.
For those of you wondering what you will make mom on Sunday I highly suggest whipping up this casserole the night before. Not only will you get to enjoy mom (and the food) because all the prep is done, but you’ll look like a superstar for making something so ridiculously delicious.
Realizing there are many overnight french toast casseroles out there (like Shan’s amazing Strawberry Eggnog version) I completely understand why you need to know what makes this one so darn special. At first bite you get that crispy crust, lusciously eggy bread center and bits of blueberry bursts. But there’s something else…it’s almost tangy, sweet and silky. It’s called cream cheese and it’s what makes this casserole a winner.
This was the first time I decided to make the blueberry syrup instead of simply serving with maple syrup. Without a doubt, both ways are excellent…but if you have the ingredients and desire to try the blueberry syrup you will not be disappointed. It adds a fruitiness to the overall dish. Making it very bright and very Spring brunch appropriate. Besides, can a person ever really have too much blueberry in their life? Absolutely not.
Serve this to mom with a mimosa bar and some fresh coffee. That will surely secure your spot as the favorite. Certainly would in my house…
1 large french bread loaf (or 2 small) cubed into bite size pieces
4oz room temperature cream cheese
1tbsp milk
½cup powdered sugar
1cup fresh or frozen blueberries
5 eggs
¼cup maple syrup
1cup milk
2tsp vanilla extract
¼tsp nutmeg
½tsp cinnamon
Syrup:
1cup water
2tbsp corn starch
½cup sugar
1cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
Prepare a 8" or 9" baking dish by greasing with butter.
In a small bowl combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and 1tbsp milk. Stir until well incorporated.
Spread half of the french bread cubes into bottom of dish. Evenly spread cream cheese mixture over cubes and top with ½cup blueberries.
Arrange remainder of the bread cubes into the dish.
Place eggs, syrup, milk,vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon in a large bowl and whisk until well combined. Carefully pour over bread cubes - trying to evenly distribute over dish. Cover with foil and place in refrigerator overnight.
Pull casserole out of fridge and place on counter. Preheat oven 375 degrees (allow casserole to set on counter for at least 20 minutes).
Bake for 45minutes covered. Remove foil and bake for another 30minutes or until casserole begins to brown on top.
During the last 10minutes of baking place water, sugar and corn starch in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a simmer and add blueberries. Allow to simmer again for just a minute. Pour into a serving dish.
Serve warm casserole with warm blueberry syrup (or regular maple syrup and/or powdered sugar).
Before we get into gift ideas for mom let’s talk cold showers. Better yet, who’s been ending their otherwise relaxing shower with 60 to 90 seconds of screaming cold torture?
The response to last week’s post could not have made me happier. You guys actually seemed willing to give my crazy suggestion a try. Got me thinking…what else can I convince them to do? And oh do I have plans people, but first we need get through May.
For those of you taking the cold shower challenge I would love nothing more than to hear from you. Tag #PPJcoldshower on any social media platform of your choosing. I want to know how great you’re feeling (even if you hate me a little).
***
Speaking of feeling great, how doesn’t deserve it more than mom? I for one love gift kits – especially ones that are filled with things I wouldn’t usually treat myself to. These beauty collection ideas would make any mom feel special. (Plus they are fairly easy to find all the components to at most malls – or even a place like Target…and who doesn’t need to go to Target?):
Alright 38, let’s see what you got.
