by Emily King

The living room looks as if it has been vandalized by disgruntled Hallmark employees, the most expensive toys are already broken, and you’re wondering why anyone bothers to send electronic gifts sans batteries…

For all the joy and laughter the holiday season brings, it certainly has its difficult moments; moments best spent out of earshot and eyesight of the in-laws. My suggestion: Steal away from the “merriment” for awhile, head to the kitchen, and work a little Christmas magic of your own making a simple, gorgeous breakfast. Luckily, in this age of ready-made, gourmet foods, this is one miracle even the most inexperienced cook can pull-off.

Sure, you could spring for the “break-and-bake” cinnamon rolls or muffins in a box, but why cheapen your precious moments alone? Just think about how impressive a stack of Apple Danish or Cinnamon Raisin stuffed French toast would be. Add a few sausage links or bacon, some warm syrup, and a pitcher of juice for a hearty, homemade breakfast that will sustain your guests until you re-heat your Honey Baked Ham around 2 p.m.

Of course, a really delicious breakfast bread can be eaten all by itself (and if you’ve ever had a loaf of Capistrano’s Apple Danish Bread, you know what I mean), but using it in place of plain bread makes even the most mundane of recipes special. Since it’s the holidays and we’re feeling generous, we’ll even share our top-secret recipe for stuffed French toast; just promise us you’ll make it with love.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at into the Soup, and Capistrano’s Bakery!

Apple Danish (or Cinnamon Raisin) Stuffed French Toast

Serves 4 -8 (depending on appetite)

Ingredients:

16 Slices Capistrano’s Apple Danish or Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Butter, melted to oil pan or griddle

Cream Cheese     ½  Cup

Apple Butter         ½ Cup

Eggs, beaten        6

Heavy Cream       ½ Cup

Cinnamon            ¼ teaspoon

Nutmeg                ¼ teaspoon

Procedure:

Beat eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg in mixing bowl.  Set aside.

Make apple butter and cream cheese “sandwiches” with the bread of your choice. Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese on one slice and 1 tablespoon of apple butter on the other. Put them together like a sandwich and cut off the crusts. Repeat this process until you have 8 “sandwiches”. Set aside.

Gently heat 1 stick of butter in a small saucepan until it is completely melted. Do not allow it to burn. Remove it from the heat source.

Heat griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.  Brush or drizzle your cooking surface generously with the butter.

One at a time, take the “sandwiches” and dip them into the egg mixture making sure all sides are thoroughly coated. Allow excess egg to drip back into the bowl, and lay the sandwich on the cooking surface. Repeat this process, but do not over-crowd the griddle or pan.  You probably do not want to exceed more than two sandwiches in the pan at a time. You should hear a quiet sizzle as you place the sandwiches on the cooking surface.

When the first side of the sandwich is deep, golden brown, turn it over to cook on the other side. When the same result is achieved on the second side, remove the sandwich from the cooking surface and place it on a warmed plate under foil. Repeat this process for the remaining sandwiches. Keep in mind that you may need to wipe-out the pan or griddle after a few sandwiches if the butter becomes dark or burnt. Also, continue to add butter throughout the process as the bread will soak it up during the cooking.

Drizzle with melted butter, warm syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Visit Capistrano’s Wholesale Bakery online by clicking here.

Click Here to read more Breakin’ Bread Features

Or, in Arizona, Capistrano’s artisan breads are available at Vincent’s Saturday Market on Camelback when it is open, at Holsum Outlets, and now at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace. Here are the locations.

  • Apache Junction – 10107 E. Apache Trail
  • Casa Grande – 823 N. Pinal
  • Chandler – 7275 W. Detroit
  • Peoria – 9210 W. Peoria
  • Tucson – 2801 S. 4th Avenue
  • Luci’s Healthy Marketplace -1590 East Bethany Home Road, Phoenix