Recipe(tried): Some Fabulous Brunch Ideas - Apple French Toast, Vegetable Fritatta, Florentine Quiche Lorraine, Broccoli Or Spinach Quiche, Banana Sour Cream Walnut Loaf, McClenning Apple Muffins

Hello Diana, Here are some of the fabulous recipes I use when I have a crowd at my house. They have all been in the family for a while and are loved by all! Enjoy!!

Apple French Toast

This is the "Queen" of all French Toast recipes, kids and hubbies just love this with cold milk, ummmm, just awesome!!

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar (dark)
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tbsp lite corn syrup
1 large Granny Smith (or any other) apple, cored, peeled and cut up
1 loaf of day-old French Bread
3 eggs
1/2 cup cranberries
1 cup milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp Spice Blend*
1 tbsp vanilla extract

In a small pan, combine the brown sugar, butter, apples, cranberries and corn syrup and cook till thick, 2-3 minutes Pour into a ungreased 9x13" baking pan (glass is best). Slice the bread into 3/4" inch slices. In a large bowl beat the eggs, milk and vanilla and spices. Dip the bread into the mixture and let each slice soak for 30 seconds. Arrange on top of the fruit mixture. Pour any excess liquid over, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake next day in oven at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

*Spice Blend is a jar of spice I bought at Pier One a couple of years ago. When I went back to get more, they were out. Luckily I kept the jar with the ingredients and now I make my own. It is simply equal portions grounded of:
ground coriander, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, sugar, aniseed, fennel seeds, and ground ginger. I ground it in the coffee machine grounder. It is fabulous.

Vegetable Fritatta
serves 6-8
This is "to die for"...great for light suppers or brunch or lunch.

1 c. sliced and halved zucchini
1 c. sliced mushrooms
3/4 c. chopped green bell pepper
3/4 c. chopped onions
1 clove garlic, minced
3 T. olive oil
6 eggs
1/4 c. cream
1 lb. cream cheese
2 c. cubed white bread, crusts removed
1 1/2 c. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper

Saute zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion and garlic in oil til barely soft. Cool.

Preheat oven to 350. Beat eggs and cream together in a large bowl. Add cream cheese in pinches. Add bread, cheddar and cooled veggies. Add salt and pepper. Pour mixture into a well-buttered 10-inch springform pan. Bake 55 mts. Let stand 10-15 mts. before serving.

FLORENTINE QUICHE LORRAINE
From: Gina, Fla

1/2 lb. bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled
2 Tbsp. butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
3 eggs, plus 1 yolk, beaten well till foamy
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 cups grated Swiss cheese tossed in 2 tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1 (9 1/2-inch) pie plate, partially baked

Cook bacon, drain and crumble. Set aside.

Saute onion and garlic in butter. Add spinach and blend well. Take of heat.

Beat eggs till foamy; add milk and half-and-half; beat well. Fold in reserved bacon bits, cheese, parsley, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Mix together well; pour into pie shell.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-60 minutes.

BROCCOLI OR SPINACH QUICHE
From: Debbie.D, AL

1 pie crust-prick it and bake it for 5 mintues
4 oz. shredded cheese (Swiss, Cheddar)
1/2 cup onion sauteed in butter or margarine
4 eggs (or egg substitute)
1 cups half and half (I use no-fat)
5 oz. cooked and drained broccoli or spinach
1/2 tsp. salt
dash nutmeg
dash pepper

Sprinkle cheese on crust. Mix all other ingredients and pour over cheese. bake at 350 degrees about 30-35 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Banana Sour Cream Walnut Loaf

2/3 c. softened butter
1 1/3 c. sugar
2 3/4 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs beaten
1 1/2 c. mashed bananas
1/2 c. sour cream
1 c. chopped nuts
Cream butter, gradually add sugar, beat on med. speed. Combine flour and next 3 ingred. Mix well. Combine eggs, bananas and sour cream. Add flour misture to creamed mixture alternating with banana mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into greased loaf pan, bake at 350 1 hour and 15 mts.

MCCLENNING APPLE MUFFINS
Makes 12 muffins

1 Cup Flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Quaker Oats, uncooked
1 cup pared and chopped Golden Delicious apples
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
FOR TOPPING:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together. Add remaining ingredients except topping; mix only until ingredients are moistened. Spoon into greased muffin tins.

Combine 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for topping and sprinkle on muffins before baking.

Bake for 15-20 minutes.