Toast the Queen
PLAN A SURPRISE MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH WITH THIS EASY AND KID-FRIENDLY FRENCH TOAST RECIPE.
By Lynn Michelle
Mother’s Day is all about showing moms love and appreciation – and, yes, spoiling them all day long. There’s perhaps no better way to kick off this special day than with a delicious Mother’s Day brunch – filled with all the sweet and savory treats sure to make moms everywhere smile. And there’s probably no better way to spoil your mom, wife (and your entire family) than by preparing a spectacular surprise brunch for them to enjoy right in the comfort of their own homes.
Create a magnificent (and memorable) Mother’s Day meal and a morning of making family memories together as well. Gather the family together to decorate, set a special table (unless breakfast in bed is on the agenda) – and, of course, bring together some of Mom’s favorite flavors — filling the kitchen with the warm, sweet smells of breakfast cooking (and filling the house with laughter.)
This Mother’s Day start the day off on an extra-sweet note with my recipe for cinnamon raisin and banana French toast with Nutella drizzle. This special French toast has been a longtime family favorite (and sure-fire crowd-pleaser) that has been the centerpiece of many special holiday brunches I’ve prepared for my own family, as well as for my clients. Not only does it uniquely combine some of every mom’s favorites, but it’s a kid-friendly recipe – making it easy for kids to get involved in cooking a special dish for their moms (and ensuring that it’s a breakfast that kids will enjoy eating as much as making). And the best part? Since it can be prepared the night before, that leaves more time for a leisurely, stress-free and relaxing Mother’s Day morning for all.
So this year, in addition to spoiling her with flowers, candy and gifts, spoil your mom (and any of the special women in your life) with this special, and spectacular, French toast. It will be a meal she is sure to love – made extra special by being prepared by the people she loves most too.
THE EAST COAST CHEF
Cinnamon Raisin & Banana French Toast with Nutella Drizzle
Ingredients
1 loaf sliced cinnamon raisin bread
3 ripe bananas
2 cups softened mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup club soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups half & half
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
8 eggs
1 small jar of Nutella
Directions [1] Prepare this the night before. Grease the bottom and sides of a large lasagna pan. [2] In a small bowl, mash the bananas and blend in the sweet mascarpone cheese and club soda. [3] Taking one slice of the cinnamon raisin bread, spread the banana and mascarpone mixture generously on the slice and continue this with each slice of bread to cover the entire bottom of lasagna pan. [4] When finished, place another slice of bread on top of the banana-mascarpone mixture. Carefully press down the individual bread sections to get the air compressed. [5] In a large bowl, whip the eggs until light and frothy; add vanilla, half & half, milk and sugar. Blend together. [6] Pour the egg mixture over the stuffed cinnamon raisin French toast. Cover and refrigerate overnight. [7] The next day, place the lasagna pan into a 375-degree oven for 45 minutes or until the egg mixture is cooked and not runny. Note: Different ovens will cook this differently. [8] In a small saucepan, place all the Nutella from the jar. Warm slightly. [9] When the French toast is finished, place on a plate and drizzle with the warm Nutella.
Get buzzed
Kick up your Mother’s Day relaxation with this Prohibition-era cocktail recipe from the team at Hilton Head Distillery.
HILTON HEAD DISTILLERY
Bee’s Knees
Ingredients
2 ounces HHD Jōcassee Gin
.75 ounce fresh lemon juice
.75 ounce honey simple syrup (1:1 honey to water)
Lemon twist garnish
Directions [1] Create the honey simple syrup using a 1:1 honey-to-water ratio. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until you can easily whisk them together. [2] Use a vegetable peeler to peel off zests for your twist garnish. [3] Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in honey syrup, lemon juice and gin. [4] Shake for 30 seconds and strain into a martini or coupe glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
Best bets for brunch
If preparing breakfast in bed doesn’t seem quite in reach this year, go out for brunch at one of these delicious local spots that do it right on Mother’s Day. Watch for specials on Facebook as the big day nears.
• Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar
• Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe
• Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
• Salty Dog Cafe
• Frankie Bones
• Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta
• One Hot Mama’s
• Skull Creek Dockside
• Skull Creek Boathouse
• Poseidon
• Wise Guys
• Holy Tequila
• Nectar Farm Kitchen
• ELA’S On The Water
• Alexander’s Restaurant
• Lulu Kitchen
• Big Jim’s
Hostess with the mostess
Chef Lynn Michelle is a personal chef located on Hilton Head Island who serves the entire Lowcountry. Whether it’s preparing healthy, gourmet, family-style meals or expertly creating elaborate dinner parties, Chef Lynn and her team do it all — planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning up. Cheflynnmichelle.com.
