Mother’s Day is Sunday, and it left me pondering what I wanted to do.  My husband offered to take the kids, and as lovely as that sounds, it wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without them.  All the messes, screams, and tattling wouldn’t be worth it without all the hugs, kisses, cuddles, and artwork that come along with it.

I then began to think of food…cause that is what I do…..strawberries are my favorite, add some chocolate and it makes it even better.  Now, if I could just have it for breakfast. Hmmm…I think I got all the bases covered. Plus, they are easy enough to make that the hubby and the kids can make them. Now, let’s see if they make it to me Sunday Morning.

Preheat the oven to 400 Degrees F and set out the puff pastry to thaw. Once thawed unfold and roll out to a 13×9 rectangle.

In a large bowl mix together softened cream cheese, strawberries and sugar.

It will resemble this.

Spread Cream cheese mix on the puff pastry leaving 1/2 inch bare on the long end.

Roll up the dough and moisten the seam with water to seal. Refrigerate for atleast 20 minutes.

Slice roll into 1/2-3/4 inch slices. Place on a parchement lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Yum! Perfect!

Feel free to glaze with plain or chocolate glaze and serve. ENJOY!

We are all looking for ways to use that leftover Easter ham that isn’t a sandwich.  This is one of my favorite go to recipes because it is so versatile.  It can be served as a side dish, for brunch, or as a meal. I have been told it is even better re-heated the next day.

This is also an inexpensive recipe to make, even more so when you already have the ham on hand.  Try this delicious dish with your leftover ham, you will be glad you did!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Slice potatoes in 1/4 inch slices.  This is when the food processor comes in handy.

Chop about 1 -1 1/2 cups of ham.

Layer 1/2 of the potatoes ham, and seasoning in a large casserole dish.  I added a little bit of the shredded cheese. Layer again with the remaining potatoes, ham, and seasonings.

In a saucepan heat butter and flour until thick.  Add milk and cheese whisking constantly until melted.

Pour milk mixture over the potatoes.  Cover and bake at 400 degrees F for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 mins

Serve warm!  Also good reheated the next day!

Mardi Gras is around the corner, and Fat Tuesday is a time to indulge in all things food.  You don’t have to tell me twice to indulge in food.  After a bit of reflection this week I have just decided I love food. I love to make it, I love to experiment with recipes, and most of all I love to eat it.  Sometimes it takes cutting back on food to truly appreciate it.

I was watching the Food Network, which always makes me hungry, and I saw a commercial with a big piping hot plate full of Beignets.  I thought to myself, what better way to celebrate Mardi Gras?!   So I hit the kitchen to whip up a batch…then I got the eyes.  The really cute little ones that can’t eat gluten.   I then made it my mission to make a gluten free batch too.  They turned out superb!

Combine the warm water, sugar and yeast; stir and set aside to activate the yeast. Allow mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, at least 5 minutes.
In a large bowl beat together the egg and milk. Add 1 cup of the Flour and the salt. Beat until integrated.

Cut the shortening into small chunks and mix in with the 1 cup flour, egg and milk.
Slowly beat in remaining flour and the proofed yeast mixture until completely mixed. The dough should not be stiff or sticky at this point.

Turn the dough out onto a clean surface or pastry mat dusted with Flour.
Roll gently with a rolling pin into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.

Using a large, sharp knife, cut strips of dough 2 inches wide, on a diagonal (not straight up and down, leaving a diagonal edge to the strips). Cut across these strips in the same way, creating diamond-shaped Beignets.

Place cut Beignets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel.
Allow to rise in a warming drawer or an oven brought to 200° F, then turned off. The Beignets will roughly double in size after rising for 45+  minutes (You can leave them covered overnight to rise as well)

After the Beignets have risen, pour vegetable oil into a large saucepan to a depth of 2-3 inches. Heat the oil on medium-high to 310° – 360° F.
Once the oil is to temperature, gently submerge 2 – 3 Beignets in hot oil and cook until lightly browned and puffed on each side – approximately 1- 2 minutes only.

Remove with a skimmer or slotted spoon to drain on paper towels, and sprinkle confectioner’s sugar liberally over top of each Beignet. Serve warm.

I am always looking for a way to use the ingredients I can buy on a budget, and right now my fridge is full of eggs and Philadelphia Cooking Crème.  I like to stock up on pantry and freezer items when they are at their lowest price, but sometimes I end up with perishables too.  Which is just fine, I just make meals around them.

I found this recipe for Denver Style Morning Burritos on Krafts website and it sounded like it would use up just the right ingredients out of my fridge.  My hubby loves breakfast burritos so this immediately got 2 thumbs up from him. Check out how easy this delicious breakfast option is!

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My poor hubby has been neglected lately.  He gets up and heads to work in the morning without breakfast most of the time.   I was looking through my cookbooks for something hearty, quick, and easy that I can make him for breakfast.  This not only looked easy enough, the sound so good!

These would make a fabulous addition to a brunch buffet.  You could serve them with some scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. They could even be turned into an appetizer.

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Yes, I am on a breakfast kick.  It is the most important meal of the day after all.   My kids love granola; Bars, cereal, on yogurt, on ice cream, and just by itself.  I like to make my own because I can tweak it to everyone’s individual tastes, and I know what is in it.  No preservatives, chemicals, just whole foods.

Here is the recipe that works for us.  Feel free to play with it, and your families favorites and make a treat that your family will love!