Whether you’re expecting overnight guests, hosting a holiday brunch or just wanting to raise your sleepyheads with a fun breakfast treat, French toast and omelets are great options.
New French Toast Trimmings
Look for the delicious new takes on French toast in this chapter, or try these delicious ideas to change up regular French toast:
Bacon and Jam: Top French toast with a slice or two of crisply cooked bacon and a spoonful of raspberry or apricot preserves. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
Blueberry-Lemon Cream Cheese: Mix 3 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon of grated lemon peel. Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until drizzling consistency. Drizzle over French toast; top with blueberries.
Caramel-Apple: Top French toast with slices of apple and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Chocolate-Banana: Spread a tablespoonful of chocolate-hazelnut spread on one piece of French toast. Top with banana slices and another piece of French toast.
Omelet Feasts
Omelets are a fun, interactive way to entertain guests! When serving a crowd, the trick is being prepared. Have all the ingredients prepped ahead of time and the utensils ready to go.
Basic Omelet: For each omelet, beat 2 eggs in the bowl until fluffy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat 2 teaspoons of butter in an 8-inch pan over medium-high heat until melted and sizzling. Quickly pour eggs into pan, swirling pan to allow uncooked egg to get underneath and for eggs to thicken. Fill with desired fillings. Fold edges of eggs over filling. Flip omelet over as you place it on a dinner plate.
Omelet Fillings:
Customize your omelets with these filling ideas.
HERBS
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh or ¼ to ½ teaspoon dried when beating the eggs.
Basil
Cilantro
Oregano
Parsley
Veggies and Savory Toppings
Sautéed fresh veggies such as chopped onions, bell peppers, broccoli, or greens or sliced mushrooms
Chopped fresh avocados, tomatoes or green onions
Sliced olives, chopped roasted red bell peppers, drained tapenade or capers, or pesto
Meats and Cheeses
Chopped pancetta, salami or luncheon meat or crisply cooked, crumbled bacon
Cooked chicken, pork or smoked ham; or cooked breakfast, Italian or chorizo sausage
Shredded cheese or crumbled cheese (such as blue cheese, feta or cotija)
Sauces (toss with filling ingredients or drizzle over finished omelet)
Pico de gallo, salsa or salsa verde
Bottled sauces: Thai peanut, sweet chili, coconut curry, orange-ginger or Teriyaki
Tzatziki, marinara, pizza sauce