Holiday Helpful Tips

It always gets crazy at the last minute during the holidays no matter how organized you think you are. A few ways to save time is to prepare your table ahead of time. By using nature as your centerpieces you can not go wrong. Twigs in vases with some small silk flowers glued on, a bowl full of pine-cones with cranberries mixed in and a oblong basket filled with Christmas tree branches layered on top with fresh fruit such as red delicious apples all work great.

Next is our table setting. You can set your table informal or formal but small touches of you make it a festive holiday. When planning the setting arrangement place cards are always a great idea but bring some imagination to it. You can either place there name along with one word that best describes the person or if children are present have them draw a snowman, Christmas ornament or tree, snowflake etc. then you place the persons name on each one. This will keep the little ones occupied during your preparation. Also when serving beverages from a glass pitcher add a little butter just below the spout this will seal the pitcher and water will not drip.

Save time by preparing breakfast ahead of time and limit the clean up. This Creme Brulee French Toast receipt needs to be prepared at least 8 hours ahead of time leaving you out of the kitchen Christmas morning.

Ingredients

1 Stick {1/2 cup} unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons corn syrup

French baguette loaf

4 large Eggs

2/3 cup of Heavy Cream

1 cup of Milk

1 teaspoon of Vanilla

1 teaspoon Grand Marnier

¼ teaspoon salt

In a small saucepan melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over moderate heat. Pour over bottom of 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Cut bread approximately1 inchthick. Arrange bread in pan tightly together.

In bowl or blender mix the rest of the ingredients. Pour over the bread. Refrigerate at least 8 hours up to 1 day. Take out and bring to room temperature.

CRÈME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST

Keep in refrigerator overnight

Remove from refrigerator ½ hour before baking

Preheat oven to 350° F

Bake bread mixture uncovered in middle of oven until puffed and edges are pale golden. 35-40 minutes

Serve immediately

Great with fruit and whipped cream

Michele Molinaro

I have been a business owner for over 25 years but can say for the first time; “I own my business it doesn’t own me.” I have traded in my Brick and Mortar for a Click and Order. This gives me financial and time freedom. My business is operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week with no employees. I wake up when I am done sleeping and am able to work anywhere in the world there is a WiFi connection.