Tag Archives: holiday

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole with Pecan-Oat Crumble

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Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole with Pecan-Oat Crumble topping is a scrumptiously seasonal dish for upcoming holiday breakfasts and brunches.

Treat your holiday crowd this delicious pumpkin spice breakfast bake inspired by French toast! A crusty loaf of sourdough soaks up all the goodness and a pecan-oat streusel like topping adds extra yum and then some! Make it ahead, stick in fridge overnight and bake in the morning for brunch

Throw it together the night before you plan to serve and keep this make-ahead breakfast casserole in the fridge until ready to bake and serve. This takes so much stress out of a busy morning when hosting guests or just otherwise have a lot on your proverbial plate.

Pumpkin spice everything is LIFE this time of year, and using a pumpkin pie spice blend and already pureed pumpkin from a can minimizes the steps and adds convenience to putting together a holiday brunch recipes. A Wildgrain subscription box is another way to simplify and add convenience to your holiday entertaining and recipe plans.

Artisan bread, pastas and pastries in the the Wildgrain subscription box, save $10 with code THEFITFORK at http://bit.ly/Wildgrain

 Wildgrain is a delicious bread subscription box that also delivers artisanal pastas, pastries all kinds of breads (made with clean, nutritious ingredients) to your door that are frozen and ready to prepare in a flash – no more than 25 minutes from freezer door opening to your mouth opening for the first bite! I love to cook, but baking from scratch is a whole ‘nutha skill set and patience level, so I’m happy to let Wildgrain come to my rescue this holiday season when there is already more than enough “to-dos” on my list!

Save $10 on artisan bread, pastas and pastries Use code: THEFITFORK http://bit.ly/Wildgrain

For this pumpkin breakfast casserole, I used the plain sourdough loaf in my box. Wildgrain bakers start with wild yeast to made the sourdough starter which takes days from start to finish and provides nutrients such as fiber-rich bran, proteins, probiotics, and vitamin-rich germ. The exterior of this loaf bakes up fabulously crusty and audibly crunchy while the interior is soft and tender with that old-school sourdough zip. So good! 

When making a French toast casserole, it typically usually turns out best with bread a tad on the stale side so that it better soaks up the milk-egg mixture like a sponge.

With a fresh-baked loaf, the easy work around is to cut up in bite-sized cubes and leave on the counter uncovered for a couple hours.

Check out the No-Cook Tomato Artichoke Pasta made using one of Wildgrain’s hand-cut pastas! This was a quick and simple summer-inspired dish I created but would also be great for the holiday season, to bring to a party or serve at home on one of those busy nights when everything’s happening at once.

Treat your holiday crowd this delicious pumpkin spice breakfast bake inspired by French toast! A crusty loaf of sourdough soaks up all the goodness and a pecan-oat streusel like topping adds extra yum and then some! Make it ahead, stick in fridge overnight and bake in the morning for brunch
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Let me know what you think about this pumpkin spice breakfast casserole and don’t forget to check out Wilgrain. Use code THEFITFORK to save $10 on your first box (AND, if you sign up now, they will treat you to a free 4-pack of croissants with each and every box you have delivered for life – and these croissants ARE AMAZING, we were fighting over the last one at my house!!!)

5 from 3 votes
Treat your holiday crowd this delicious pumpkin spice breakfast bake inspired by French toast! A crusty loaf of sourdough soaks up all the goodness and a pecan-oat streusel like topping adds extra yum and then some! Make it ahead, stick in fridge overnight and bake in the morning for brunch
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Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole with Pecan-Oat Crumble Topping
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 

Treatyour holiday crowd this delicious pumpkin spice breakfast bake inspired byFrench toast! A crusty loaf of sourdough soaks up all the goodness and apecan-oat streusel like topping adds extra yum and then some! Make it ahead,stick in fridge overnight and bake in the morning for brunch

Course: Breakfast, brunch
Keyword: entertaining, fall, holiday, make ahead
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 16- ounce loaf sourdough bread I used plain sourdough loaf from Wilgrain
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree from can
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
CRUMB TOPPING
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 6 tablespoons butter cold
  • 3/4 cup roughly chopped pecans*
  • Optional topping ideas: maple syrup caramel sauce, or powdered sugar drizzle
Instructions
  1. Cut or tear loaf into approximate 1” cubes. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better, so if loaf is fresh-baked, let the bread cubes sit on counter uncovered for a few hours.
  2. Spray a 10”-diameter oven-proof skillet or 9”×13” inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Add bread cubes to skillet or dish.
  4. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, pumpkin, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together. Pour mixture evenly over bread.
  5. Cover skillet and chill in fridge for 2 hours or more (even overnight) so that bread absorbs as much of the egg-pumpkin mixture as possible.
  6. Prepare topping by tossing brown sugar, oats, and pumpkin pie spice. Cut cold butter in little cubes and, using a fork or pastry cutter, mash around until mixture is coarsely combined and crumbly. Do not add topping until ready to bake (also keep in fridge until ready).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  8. Sprinkle pecan-oat crumb topping evenly over casserole and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, cover skillet with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until center appears set. Total bake time is about 45 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. If desired, drizzle with a sauce such as maple syrup, caramel sauce, or a simple powdered sugar-milk drizzle.

Mendiants – Dried Fruit & Nut Chocolate Candy

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Mendiant is the French word for scraps of chocolate, melted and sprinkled with bits of dried fruit and nuts, typically served around Christmas. Derived from the Latin root for “begging” and I know my whole family gobbled the up and was begging for more!

Quick and easy, these yummy chocolate candies called Mendiant (a French word) just need a bag of chocolate chips and a couple tablespoons each of dried fruit, nuts, seeds or whatever other ingredients you like paired with chocolate. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb, keto-friendly treat.

Ridiculously easy and taste amazing, but Mendiants are a lifesaver when you need a last-minute treat to serve, give as a hostess gift, or food gift for the chocolate-lover . . . but have almost nothing in the pantry.

Quick and easy, these yummy chocolate candies called Mendiant (a French word) just need a bag of chocolate chips and a couple tablespoons each of dried fruit, nuts, seeds or whatever other ingredients you like paired with chocolate. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb, keto-friendly treat.
Use traditional or sugar-free dark chocolate chips.

All you need for this easy chocolate candy recipes is a 12 oz. package of dark chocolate chips (use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb chocolate candy recipe) and a variety of toppings that you likely already have stashed away.

Use up whatever little “bits” of dried fruit, nuts and extras you have in the pantry!

My Mendiants were topped with a variety of eight simple ingredients swiped from my pantry – not much of anything is needed, just a tablespoon or so of each. I used chopped nuts like pecans, Marcona almonds, and pistachios; chopped dried apricots, cherries and apples; and even had toasted quinoa and coconut for sprinkling. Any other kind of nut, seed or dried fruit also works.

Plus, try cacao nibs, dried citrus peels, coarse salt sprinkles, crushed coffee beans and whatever else you think pairs well with chocolate. If you are making keto mendiant, then nuts, seeds and spices will be your best picks paired with sugar-free chocolate chips.

Pour chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments (stirring between each blast), until completely melted, smooth and glossy. It took me 3 minutes, for reference. Take care not to over-microwave or allow any drips of water to get in the chocolate.

Quick and easy, these yummy chocolate candies called Mendiant (a French word) just need a bag of chocolate chips and a couple tablespoons each of dried fruit, nuts, seeds or whatever other ingredients you like paired with chocolate. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb, keto-friendly treat.
Add the toppings while the chocolate is still gooey.

Dollop out chocolate in approximate 1.5 tablespoon portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It should spread out into at least a 2” circle. If chocolate begins to cool, keeping it from spreading out properly, use the back of a spoon to encourage.

While mendiant chocolate is still gooey, sprinkle with desired toppings. I think 3 types of topping per chocolate is ideal. Stick in fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Serve or package as desired. Makes approximately 24 fruit and nut studded chocolate coins.

Pin for Later — check out the IDEA PIN with video

Quick and easy, these yummy chocolate candies just need a bag of chocolate chips and a couple tablespoons each of dried fruit, nuts, seeds or whatever other ingredients you like paired with chocolate. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb, keto-friendly treat.
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Mendiant – Dried Fruit and Nut Chocolate Candy (Low Carb / Keto Option)
Prep Time
15 mins
cooling
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 

Quick and easy, these yummy chocolate candies just need a bag of chocolate chips and a couple tablespoons each of dried fruit, nuts, seeds or whatever other ingredients you like paired with chocolate. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb, keto-friendly treat.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: candy, chocolate, christmas, holiday
Servings: 24 pieces
Ingredients
  • 12 ounces dark chocolate chips traditional or sugar-free
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp EACH of 6 to 10 toppings like: nuts, seeds, dried fruits, toasted quinoa, chia seeds, cacao nibs, citrus peel, even pretzels or potato chips. Chop, crush or dice until everything small-sized for topping
Instructions
  1. Pour chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments (stirring between each blast), until completely melted, smooth and glossy. It took me 3 minutes, for reference. Take care not to over-microwave or allow any drips of water to get in the chocolate.
  2. Dollop out chocolate in approximate 1.5 tablespoon portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It should spread out into at least a 2” circle. If chocolate begins to cool, keeping it from spreading out properly, use the back of a spoon to encourage.
  3. While chocolate is still gooey, sprinkle with desired toppings. I think 3 types of topping per chocolate is ideal. Stick in fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Serve or package as desired.

Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider Warms Spirits in Holiday Season

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This post is sponsored by National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Watermelon warms the soul and spirit in any season! Simmer a pot of Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider for friends and family this holiday season, it’s a hot holiday punch that is naturally sweet and delicious.

This easy-to-make warm punch featuring watermelon juice is naturally sweet and delicious, bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices. Brandy optional! Perfect for holiday entertaining, including brunches, open houses, cocktail parties and more!

Bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices, this easy-to-make hot punch is features watermelon juice. Fresh watermelon juice is available for purchase in the produce department of many larger grocery stores, or make your own by blending cubed watermelon and straining off the pulp. Check out Watermelon.org for a great demo on how to make watermelon juice.

Ingredients for Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider, a hot holiday punch

This warm holiday punch is primarily watermelon juice, an amazing fresh juice that offers vitamin C, lycopene, l-citrulline, and other beneficial nutrients. I also added spiced apple cider and always use the fresh, no-added-sugar, 100% juice cider from the chilled section of my market.

This easy-to-make warm punch featuring watermelon juice is naturally sweet and delicious, bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices. Brandy optional! Perfect for holiday entertaining, including brunches, open houses, cocktail parties and more! Make a big batch in a Dutch oven or keep warm for hours in a slow cooker for your Christmas gathering.
Check out the Pinterest Video Demo at: <<LINK>>  

For a show-stopping presentation (and to make a drink that you can also snack on), add a generous amount of fruit to the pot including diced watermelon, fresh cranberries, pears and apples. Is it a fruit salad, beverage or both? You decide!!!

Spices used in Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider including cinnamon, cloves and star anise.

While simmering on the stove top, add whole spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves. Watermelon and cinnamon make magic together, you can even just sprinkle a little on a wedge for an instant flavor experience.  Also, allspice, nutmeg and cardamon are additional spices that would work well in this hot watermelon drink, use all mentioned or any combination you prefer! Used frequently in in hot beverages, these warming, aromatic spices are called “mulling spices.”  Add smaller bits, such as cloves and allspice, to a tea ball so that they can be easily strained out before serving. However, keep the whole cinnamon sticks in – they make fun stirrers!

This easy-to-make warm punch featuring watermelon juice is naturally sweet and delicious, bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices. Brandy optional! Perfect for holiday entertaining, including brunches, open houses, cocktail parties and more!

Completely optional, but a nice add-in to this watermelon apple cider is a bit of brandy – it just blends in so nicely with the fruit juices and spices!   

Pro tip: For a lingering brunch gathering or holiday open house, keep the watermelon punch warmed for hours in a slow-cooker set on low.

 For more ways to enjoy watermelon during the holiday season, including more watermelon beverages and pairing suggestions perfect for a grazing tray, visit Watermelon.org .

5 from 2 votes
This easy-to-make warm punch featuring watermelon juice is naturally sweet and delicious, bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices. Brandy optional! Perfect for holiday entertaining, including brunches, open houses, cocktail parties and more!
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Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Watermelon is wonderful in every season! Ladle mugs full of this warm watermelon punch that is bejeweled with fruit and steeped with mulling spices like cinnamon and cloves!

Course: Beverage, party
Keyword: christmas, cider, entertaining, punch, spiced, watermelon
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 6 cups fresh 100% watermelon juice
  • 3 cups fresh 100% spiced apple cider
  • Mulling spices of choice* including cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, grated nutmeg, cardamon
  • 1 cup brandy optional
  • 2 cups diced watermelon
  • 1 small apple sliced crosswise and quartered
  • 1 small pear sliced crosswise and quartered
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
  1. In large pot or slow cooker, add watermelon juice and apple cider.
  2. Add mulling spices. Cinnamon sticks and big pieces of star anise can be used whole, but smaller spices should be placed in a tea ball for easy discarding after simmering.
  3. Bring juices to low simmer, for 15 minutes, allowing spices to steep. If using slow cooker, heat on high for 1 hour, then reduce heat to warm for serving.
  4. If desired, add brandy in the last few minutes of cooking. Drink is equally delicious without alcohol, option is yours.
  5. Ladle out and pour into mugs.
Recipe Notes

*During the holiday season, “mulling spice” blends are sometimes available in the bulk or spice aisle of store for convenience

Cranberry Orange Pecan Sheet Pan Pancakes |Low-carb, Paleo, Gluten-free

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Making Cranberry Orange Pecan Sheet Pan Pancakes is the perfect solution to holiday morning madness! Say goodbye to being sequestered in the kitchen, standing over a hot griddle flipping hot cakes endlessly while family and guests are having all the fun.

Per serving: 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), protein 10.6g 12.3 ounce package low carb pancake mix (I used Nush. Recipe should work with appox 3 cups of any other type pancake mix) ½ cup vanilla collagen hydrolysate (or protein powder) 2 2/3 cups water 1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries ½ cup pecan pieces 1 tbsp. orange zest Optional: syrups, extra nuts, whipped cram Pre-heat oven to 350F. Mix together pancake mix and collagen hydrolysate powder. Add water and stir until combined (a little lumpy better than over-stirring). Mix in cranberries. Pour into approximate 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet Sprinkle with pecan pieces and orange zest. Bake for 25 minutes, or until set and top is turning golden. Remove and let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Slice into 12 “squares,” and serve with syrup of choice and any extra toppings (or eat plain). Can be meal-prepped by freezing in single portions and thawed and reheating when ready. .

Just whip up the cranberry pecan pancake batter in minutes (or even the night before) and pour into a rimmed baking sheet and pop into the oven for 25 minutes. After that, your work is done!  Easy pancake recipes using mix are one of my favorite Christmas morning breakfast ideas

Per serving: 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), protein 10.6g 12.3 ounce package low carb pancake mix (I used Nush. Recipe should work with appox 3 cups of any other type pancake mix) ½ cup vanilla collagen hydrolysate (or protein powder) 2 2/3 cups water 1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries ½ cup pecan pieces 1 tbsp. orange zest Optional: syrups, extra nuts, whipped cram Pre-heat oven to 350F. Mix together pancake mix and collagen hydrolysate powder. Add water and stir until combined (a little lumpy better than over-stirring). Mix in cranberries. Pour into approximate 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet Sprinkle with pecan pieces and orange zest. Bake for 25 minutes, or until set and top is turning golden. Remove and let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Slice into 12 “squares,” and serve with syrup of choice and any extra toppings (or eat plain). Can be meal-prepped by freezing in single portions and thawed and reheating when ready. .

I used a low carb pancake mix from Nush, it makes this type of sweet breakfast doable for keto, low-carb, sugar-free, Paleo, and gluten-free diets. However, three cups of any type pancake mix could be substituted.

These low-carb sheet pan pancakes feature cranberries to add a sweet-tart flavor and a pop of bejeweled color. A cup of raw cranberries has about 8g net carb, so spread across a keto cranberry pancake recipe with more than 12 servings, the result is almost insignificant. HOWEVER, do not substitute dried cranberries, they are more carbohydrate concentrated (100g+ per cup) and can have added sugars.

For a traditional recipe, some might add orange juice to the recipe. But, a bit of fresh orange peel removed using a citrus zester on top provides all the citrus-y goodness while keeping calories and carbs much, much lower. In a pinch, I also swear by Valencia Orange Peel from McCormick’s – it’s shelf stable, always read, and can be stored in the spice cabinet.

Per serving: 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), protein 10.6g 12.3 ounce package low carb pancake mix (I used Nush. Recipe should work with appox 3 cups of any other type pancake mix) ½ cup vanilla collagen hydrolysate (or protein powder) 2 2/3 cups water 1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries ½ cup pecan pieces 1 tbsp. orange zest Optional: syrups, extra nuts, whipped cram Pre-heat oven to 350F. Mix together pancake mix and collagen hydrolysate powder. Add water and stir until combined (a little lumpy better than over-stirring). Mix in cranberries. Pour into approximate 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet Sprinkle with pecan pieces and orange zest. Bake for 25 minutes, or until set and top is turning golden. Remove and let cool in pan for 5 minutes. Slice into 12 “squares,” and serve with syrup of choice and any extra toppings (or eat plain). Can be meal-prepped by freezing in single portions and thawed and reheating when ready. .

Are these cranberry orange sheet pan pancakes healthy and nutritious? I’m glad you asked – because YES, they are. Each serving has 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), and protein 10.6g. I like to serve with some warm sugar-free maple syrup and sometimes even a little whipped cream!

5 from 3 votes
Cranberry Orange Pecan Sheet Pan Pancakes cranberry pecan pancake Christmas morning breakfast ideas Easy pancake recipes using mix Low-carb sheet pan pancakes Stress free holiday brunch idea
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Cranberry Orange Pecan Sheet Pan Pancakes | Low Carb, Gluten-free
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Minimize holiday morning stress with this easy sheet pan pancake recipe! In celebration of the season, it’s bursting with sweet tart cranberries and orange zest. Prep to plate in under 30minutes, and is made with a low-carb pancake mix (or traditional mix, too) for added convenience.  Feed a crowd, or meal prep and store in single-portion servings in the freezer of busy day breakfast.

Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
  • 12.3 ounce package low carb pancake mix I used Nush. Recipe should work with appox 3 cups of any other type pancake mix
  • ½ cup vanilla collagen hydrolysate or protein powder
  • 2 2/3 cups water
  • 1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup pecan pieces
  • 1 tbsp. orange zest
  • Optional: syrups extra nuts, whipped cram
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
  2. Mix together pancake mix and collagen hydrolysate powder.
  3. Add water and stir until combined (a little lumpy better than over-stirring).
  4. Mix in cranberries.
  5. Pour into approximate 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet
  6. Sprinkle with pecan pieces and orange zest.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until set and top is turning golden. Remove and let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice into 12 “squares,” and serve with syrup of choice and any extra toppings (or eat plain). Can be meal-prepped by freezing in single portions and thawed and reheating when ready.
  9. .
Recipe Notes

Per serving: 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), protein 10.6g

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Personal-sized Charcuterie Boards in Egg Roll Wrapper Boats

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This post is sponsored by JSL foods as part of Twin Dragon Blogger Recipe Challenge Contest — however, all opinions, content and enthusiasm remain my own.

As we roll into the season finale of 2020, I’m kicking back to celebrate at home with a Personal-sized Charcuterie Board & Cheese Tray (served in an edible egg roll wrapper boat). Not only is it a great time to enjoy New Year’s Even appetizers, but also to hit rewind in my mind to revisit the top lessons I’ve learned during this challenging year.

Personal Sized Charcuterie with Edible Egg Roll Wrapper Boat

These lessons would include: 1) Enjoy the moment, 2) Keep the party at home, 3) Make creative use of ingredients on hand, 4) Simple indulgences can lift spirits, and 5) Find fellowship . . . but keep your social distance! And, to that last one, I also respectfully say (even to my own kids), keep your grubby fingers out of my snacks, please. Lol, and in response to all these life lessons is the creation of my individually-portioned meat and cheese “trays” made from egg roll wrappers! Continue reading →