French Toast

Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays everyone :) I love all holidays but I think Christmas (and probably Halloween) win on the most spirit and cheer! I really enjoy the whole month of December. Though, Christmas started off a bit gloomy in Texas with it raining all night and morning. But  now, with no snow, the sun is shining very brightly! :)

We woke up early-- and opened our presents as I clicked away on the camera. The hubby really liked the game I got him for Christmas, so yay! And he spoiled me, by not sticking to our "one" present agreement- and got me a bath set, a heated back cushion for the home and for the car (on those long drives)--because as I shared before my back gets pretty stiff, very fast, a steam mop, and a MINI DONUT MAKER! I get to cross one off my Wish List :) I am really excited to make a mess making donuts and cleaning it up using my steam mop!

Ninja was very involved in opening his presents but got a bit distracted with the wrapping paper and box. And in fact, I think he wanted every one else's present, insisting that they were his. And afterwards insisted that he needed to stick his butt in every picture. Gotta love my Ninja face :) He really enjoyed his doggie smoothie that we got him too! He then spent the morning playing with his new toys and is now passed out and snoring (yes- Shar Pei snore, its cute...when you get used to it)!

Well after opening our presents, I wanted to make the hubby a delicious breakfast and of course, try a new recipe, while he got to try out the the new game. I decided to make french toast, because I know he is a big fan. I am not really a breakfast person (unless its donuts ;) and so I made a small batch just for him. It did not create a mess at all and was quite simple to make :) Have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones :) I know I am sure enjoying my time!

FRENCH TOAST

Adapted slightly from Dollhouse Bake Shoppe

INGREDIENTS 

3 tbsp. all purpose flour
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. salt
3 eggs
3/4 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 tbsp. shortening  (1 tbsp for each batch made)
7-8 slices of bread (the thicker the bread the better)
Powdered sugar for garnish
1/2 c. whipping cream (whipped) or whip cream (can) for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. Then in medium bowl, combine egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Add dry ingredients and whisk together. Then pour into a casserole dish (or flat dish).

Heat one tbsp. of shortening in a non-stick skilled over medium heat. Dip bread into egg mixture, coating each side well. Lightly shake bread, to remove any excess liquid. Then place bread in skillet, and sprinkle additional cinnamon on top (just a little pinch). Cook the toast 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned (when I first started off it was about 3 minutes, as the skillet got increasingly hot it was 2 minutes). Repeat for remaining slices of bread.

If desired, dust french toast with powdered sugar and top with whipped cream (if using heavy cream- use a hand mixer to whip the cream until it becomes whipped cream). Serve with fruit (also if desired).

Enjoy,
Chika

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

This was just too funny not to share. I think I was summed up nicely in this e-card :) Hahaha...do not get me wrong. The hubby and I would LOVE to have kids someday. But for right now we have Ninja, our baby-- and I cannot lie- I think he is pretty darn awesome. I mean, isn't it obvious. I post about him way too often ;) I stumbled upon this e-card in my addicted scrolling through of Pinterest. 

The hubby and I moved into our first place together, a cute little two-bedroom apartment, back in September! And I still have not decorated it. Now that I have time to search for color palates and designs- I think I have settled on two that I like. I really like the coral and gold palate for the guest bedroom, because I am not sure how much the hubby would like coming home to a master bedroom that in "pink" (yes, coral, but to hubby pink :). For the master bedroom I was thinking of the grey and yellow color palate with antique designs. I am still debating about this because the master bath's color palate is the same- and I am not sure if that is too matchy matchy. Make sense? I really like the "hotel white"" look but let's be honest- with Ninja that is just not happening!

And although I have furniture for the living room- I am thinking of going with a light peacock theme since its become very sentimental for the hubby and I since the wedding. Just accents- like throw pillows and wall art. And just maybe, a decorative chair. We shall see. Also my kitchen is tiny-- so I might get some bookshelves to increase my storage. Any suggestions?! I would LOVE to hear them. 

Well- for Christmas Eve, I just had to make something in the spirit of the holidays and one of the desserts that come to mind are sweet breads. And for me I thought of banana bread. :) 

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BANANA 

Adapted from Cookies & Cups

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven 350F Degrees

4 very ripe bananas, cut into pieces

1/2 c. peanut butter

1/4 c. melted butter

1 egg

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sat

1/2 c. chocolate chips

1/2 c. peanut butter chips

DIRECTIONS

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine bananas, peanut butter, butter, egg, and sugars. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Combine with wet ingredients. There will be chunks-- do not over mix-- until just incorporate. Then add chocolate and peanut butter chips. Again, do not over stir.

Grease bread loaf pan (8x4) with shortening. Spread batter evening in pan and bake for 1 hour or until tooth pick inserted comes out clean. Note: After an hour, the toothpick did not come out clean, but do not bake for additional time. Instead, let it sit in the hot loaf pan-- and it will continue cooking. Otherwise, you will overcook and burn the edges of the loaf. 

Enjoy,

Chika