Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Sep 29, 2021
- 13 min read
A local blueberry grower shared this recipe with me, and it's the best breakfast dish I've ever tasted. With the cream cheese and berry combination, this blueberry french toast casserole reminds me of dessert. —Patricia Axelsen, Aurora, Minnesota
81 reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 55 min. Makes 8 servings (1-3/4 cups sauce)
A local blueberry grower shared this recipe with me, and it's the best breakfast dish I've ever tasted. With the cream cheese and berry combination, this blueberry french toast casserole reminds me of dessert. —Patricia Axelsen, Aurora, Minnesota
Ingredients
12 slices day-old white bread, crusts removed
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
12 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups 2% milk
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
sauce:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon butter
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Directions
Cut bread into 1-in. cubes; place half in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cut cream cheese into 1-in. cubes; place over bread. Top with blueberries and remaining bread cubes.
Whisk the eggs, milk and syrup in a large bowl. Pour over bread mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-30 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Combine the sugar, water and cornstarch in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir until thickened, 3 minutes. Stir in blueberries; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until berries burst, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter. Serve with French toast.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 621 calories, 31g fat (15g saturated fat), 350mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
It was on a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are great with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 10 waffles (about 4-1/2 inches)
It was on a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are great with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs, separated
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sliced fresh strawberries or syrup
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Directions
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. In another bowl, lightly beat egg yolks. Add milk, butter and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.
Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown. Serve with strawberries or syrup.
TRUE BELGIAN WAFFLES TIPS Is pancake and waffle mix the same? Pancake mix and waffle mix are very similar, but not quite the same. Waffle mix tends to incorporate more fat (butter and/or oils) than pancake mix. Sometimes, waffles also depend on baking powder for “lift” to get that fluffy interior, while pancakes usually rely on whipped egg whites incorporated into the batter to help them rise.Why aren't my waffles crispy? Soggy, softer waffles typically happen when the waffle iron isn't heated to a high enough temperature. Always make sure your waffle iron is good and hot before adding your batter. To test the heat, drop a small bit of batter on the iron—it should sizzle and start to cook upon contact. Once you've attained a crispy waffle, top them off with our favorite waffle toppings.What's the difference between a standard waffle and a Belgian waffle? It’s all in the appearance! A Belgian waffle is thicker and has fewer, but deeper, indentations—hello, big, beautiful pools of syrup!—than a standard waffle, like our easy morning waffles, and usually requires a different waffle iron that is specifically made to create Belgian waffles.
Nutrition Facts 2 each: 696 calories, 41g fat (25g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
We've enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana
Ingredients
1 pound sliced bacon, diced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp; drain. In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients; stir in bacon mixture. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSCreate a pretty burst of color and fresh flavor by adding a pinch of minced herbs to the egg mixture. Thyme and parsley are perfect candidates; try 1 teaspoon fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried. Cottage cheese is surprisingly versatile and almost disappears into this dish when baked. Assemble a day in advance, and bake just before serving.
Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 273 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
I like omelets but don't always have time to stand by the stove. That's why I favor this oven-baked variety that I can quickly pop into the oven at a moment's notice. My family frequently requests this for Sunday brunch. They always empty the dish. —Ellen Bower, Taneytown, Maryland
Ingredients
8 large eggs
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup finely chopped fully cooked ham
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and cream. Stir in the cheese, ham, green pepper and onion. Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking dish.
Bake until golden brown and the center is set, 25-30 minutes.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSGreen pepper is typical in a Denver omelet, but red, yellow and orange peppers are just as good, and add lots of color. This is an American-style omelet, puffed and golden brown. If you prefer yours more tender and less brown, try baking at a lower temperature, about 325 degrees, until a thermometer reads 160 degrees and eggs are set.
Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 235 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 326mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
Lunch: Honey Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
This colorful fruit salad with poppy seed dressing pairs well with any morning entree and takes just 10 minutes to assemble. The subtle honey sauce in this salad steals the show. —Dorothy Dinnean, Harrison, AR
4 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
2 cups fresh blackberries
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups fresh raspberries
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
5 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon poppy seeds
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the bananas and berries. In a small bowl, combine the honey, lemon juice and poppy seeds. Pour over fruit and toss to coat.
TIPS FOR FRUIT SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING How do you keep fruit salad from getting soggy? Fruit will naturally oxidize and release more juice over time, which can make your fruit salad soggy. But the good news is that the lemon juice in this recipe will help slow that process down. If you’re making this fruit salad ahead of time, wait to add the bananas until right before you serve it so that they’re nice and fresh. Make sure to cover any leftover fruit salad tightly and store it in the refrigerator.Does lemon juice keep fruit salad fresh? Yes, lemon juice will typically help prevent cut fruit from turning brown quickly.What are other healthy fruit salad recipes? When it comes to enjoying healthier fruit salads, look for fruit salad recipes that don’t have a lot of added sugar or cream. Research contributed by Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 117 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 5g fiber), 1g protein.
After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario
16 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Minced fresh basil, optional
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Directions
In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook and stir until tender, 2-4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Puree soup using an immersion blender. Or cool soup slightly and puree in batches in a blender; return to pan and heat through. If desired, top with fresh minced basil. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add water if necessary.
GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS:For croutons that won't immediately soak up all the soup, use day-old bread and cook it slower than normal so you end up with a crispy, drier sandwich. Butter one side of two slices of day-old, hearty bread. Place one slice in a skillet over medium-low heat; top with your favorite cheese slices. Top with the second slice, butter side up, and cook until dark golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes. Remove and cut into cubes.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/4 cups: 76 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 627mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota
12 reviews Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes
4 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)
3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup shredded Colby
3/4 cup salsa
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Directions
Scrub sweet potatoes; pierce several times with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high, turning once, until very tender, 7-9 minutes.
When cool enough to handle, cut each potato lengthwise in half. Scoop out pulp. Spread onto half of each tortilla; top with beans and cheese. Fold other half of tortilla over filling.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook quesadillas until golden brown and cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve with salsa.
Nutrition Facts 1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons salsa: 306 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
Chicken sausage comes in many flavors, so I try different ones when I make pitas with fresh basil and veggies, inspired by the Greek gyro. —Christina Price, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ingredients
6 teaspoons olive oil, divided
6 Chicken Breasts sautéed with vegetable's
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, halved and sliced
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
8 whole wheat pita pocket halves, warmed
Optional: Sliced tomato and plain Greek yogurt
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Directions
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan.
In same skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until tender. Remove from pan.
Add remaining oil to pan. Add zucchini and yellow squash; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in basil, sausage and mushroom mixture; heat through. Serve in pitas. If desired, add tomato and yogurt.
Nutrition Facts 2 filled pita halves: 376 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
You'll find this meal is a nice one to prepare for company or to serve your family for Sunday dinner. All you need with it is tossed salad and some crusty French bread. —Pella Visnick, Dallas, Texas
Total Time Prep: 10 min. Bake: 2 hours + standing Makes 8-10 servings
Ingredients
1 roasting chicken (6 to 7 pounds)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 to 3 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
4 to 6 baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup chicken broth
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Place chicken breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and half of the oregano. Arrange potatoes around chicken; sprinkle with salt, pepper and remaining oregano. Pour butter and lemon juice over chicken and potatoes. Add chicken broth to pan.
Bake, uncovered, 2-2-1/2 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 170°, basting frequently with pan drippings.
Remove chicken from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes before carving. If desired, skim fat and thicken pan drippings for gravy. Serve with chicken.
Nutrition Facts 8 ounce-weight: 425 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Total Time Prep: 25 min. + chilling
Makes 16 servings
Ingredients
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cold
1 package (10 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
1/3 cup pitted Greek olives
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (2 ounces) pimiento strips, drained and chopped
Toasted French bread baguette slices
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Directions
Cut cream cheese lengthwise in half; cut each half into 1/4-in. slices. On a serving plate, arrange cheeses upright in a ring, alternating cheddar and cream cheese slices. Place olives in center.
In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, oil, parsley, basil and garlic until blended; drizzle over cheeses and olives. Sprinkle with pimientos. Refrigerate, covered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve with baguette slices.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSThis stylish appetizer is super adaptable. Any cheeses will work in place of the cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Just keep the overall weight the same. For more variety, fold thin slices of deli cuts such as pepperoni and salami in half and tuck them between the cheese slices. Nutrition Facts 1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min.
Makes 2-1/2 dozen
Ingredients
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
3 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
30 large fresh mushrooms (about 1-1/2 pounds), stems removed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook sausage, onion and garlic over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink and onion is tender, 6-8 minutes, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain. Add cream cheese and Parmesan cheese; cook and stir until melted. Stir in bread crumbs, basil and parsley.
Meanwhile, place mushroom caps in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan, bottom side up. Brush with butter. Spoon sausage mixture into mushroom caps. Bake, uncovered, until mushrooms are tender, 12-15 minutes.
Watch the Video TEST KITCHEN TIPSWhen you want a change, consider fixing the filling on its own—instead of having stuffed mushrooms. It's a good spread on baguette slices and crackers. Learn how to clean and prep mushrooms for stuffing here. Nutrition Facts 1 appetizer: 79 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Total Time Prep: 20 min. + chilling
Makes 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
Ingredients
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) sliced peaches, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
3 bananas, sliced
2 unpeeled red apples, cut into bite-sized pieces
fruit sauce:
1 cup cold whole milk
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine fruits; set aside. Whisk sauce ingredients until smooth. Gently fold into fruits. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 218 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
Eat these pretty treats as is, or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Ingredients
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
1 cup 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips, melted
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Directions
Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 225°.
Place sugar and strawberries in a food processor; process until powdery. Add gelatin; pulse to blend.
Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy, adding vanilla if desired. Gradually add gelatin mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form.
Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag; insert a #1M star tip. Transfer meringue to bag. Pipe 2-in. roses 1-1/2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake until set and dry, 40-45 minutes. Turn off oven (do not open oven door); leave meringues in oven 1-1/2 hours. Remove from oven; cool completely on baking sheets.
Remove meringues from paper. Dip bottoms in melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set, about 45 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts 1 cookie: 33 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Total Time Prep: 10 min.
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3 cups orange juice, divided
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 bottles Ginger Ale
Fresh mint leaves, optional
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Directions
Place cranberries and 1 cup orange juice in a blender; cover and process until pureed, stopping to scrape down sides of jar with a rubber spatula as needed. Add lemon juice and remaining orange juice; cover and process until blended.
Pour 1/3 cup cranberry mixture into each champagne flute or wine glass. Top with 3/4 cup champagne; serve with mint if desired.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 163 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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