Tag: BLUEBERRIES

CROISSANT BERRY FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

This is a rich indulgent brunch recipe that is also super easy to prepare in advance for those special holiday mornings.

CROISSANT BERRY FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

15 mini BUTTER croissants
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup SUPERFINE sugar
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1/3 cup currants
1/2 cup small WILD blueberries
6 LARGE eggs
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
1 teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons PURE maple syrup

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
  • Slice each croissant length-wise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Cream together the cream cheese and sugar.
  • Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the inside of each croissant.
  • Divide strawberry slices evenly between the croissants laying them onto the cream cheese and close the croissants.
  • Sprinkle with currants.
  • Layer the croissants into the dish, packing them tightly.
  • Sprinkle the blueberries throughout the dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
  • Pour egg mixture SLOWLY over the croissants, making sure to get some into every nook and cranny.
  • Cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours or bake right away.
  • When ready to bake, COVER and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
  • Serve with more maple syrup and fresh fruit.
  • Enjoy!

MEYER LEMON TARTS

MEYER LEMON TARTS
15 Sponge Cake Shells, frozen phyllo tart shells, such as Athens or Puff Pastry Shells, thawed
Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus for sprinkling
2 large eggs plus 2 large yolks
2 Meyer lemons, zested and juiced (about 1/3 cup)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 cup small wild blueberries
Whipped cream, for garnish
Turbinado sugar, for garnish

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Spray the phyllo shells with cooking spray and sprinkle with 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar.
  • Place the shells on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven.
  • Bake until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Set aside and let cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, whisk the eggs, yolks and the 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl until thick and fluffy.
  • Add the lemon zest and juice, and stir to combine.
  • Add the egg mixture to a heavy saucepan; heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Pour into a bowl set in an ice bath.
    Stir in the butter, one pat at a time, and continue stirring to cool down quickly (or chill in the refrigerator until cool to the touch, about 5 minutes).
  • Fill a pastry bag or heavy-duty plastic bag with a corner snipped off with the lemon curd filling.
  • Pipe the filling into the cooled tart shells, add blueberries on top.
  • Freeze for 1 hour.
  • Garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with turbinado sugar just before serving.