Recipe Roundup: Breakfast Edition

Breakfast is probably my most favorite meal of the day, but since we aren't very early risers in our house, it's more like brunch.  I'm always on the hunt for quick and easy meals (that both us and our son can equally enjoy) and these two recipes are just that.
Stuffed Pancake Muffins

1.  I lightly sprayed my mini muffin pan with Pam so I wouldn't have a hard time getting the baked muffins out

2.  Then cut fully cooked sausage patties/links or fruit (I used banana and all beef breakfast sausages) and place in tin

3.  Prepare pancake batter per instructions on the box and then just pour it into the tin

4.  Bake at 375 degrees for 13-17 minutes.  Use a toothpick to check if muffins are baked - toothpick should come out clean.

5.  Serve with your favorite pancake syrup and voilà! 

These were awesome little treats for brunch - particularly a favorite for Nick since they're mini size and fit in his little hands.

Patriotic Stuffed French Toast

This was our delicious AND festive brunch on July 4th!

1. The "condiment" on these sandwiches is flavored whipped cream cheese. So you'll want to prepare that first - lightly whip your favorite cream cheese and add vanilla flavoring, honey or maple syrup to taste
2.  Spread on a layer of cream cheese onto slices of bread and add a layer of your fruit of choice - you can use fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, etc. and top with another slice of bread  
3.  In a shallow dish, lightly beat 2 eggs (or as many as needed) and carefully dip both sides of sandwich.  This might get a little messy because you want to make sure the fruit stays in the sandwich 
4.  Place sandwich in a heated frying pan or griddle and cook each side until golden brown and a little crispy.  You want to make sure the egg cooks.*  Again, when flipping these guys make sure you don't lose any filling
5.  Serve them up with extra yummy cream cheese, fruit, and drizzle with maple syrup. Deee-lish!!
*you can also cook the dipped bread as individual pieces first and then build your sandwich.  I think we liked the taste of the toast when cooked that way anyway - of course, that was my husband's brilliant thinking ;)
Let's see what else we can cook up in the next few days & thanks for stopping by!

Happy Independence Day!

Hello everyone! Yes, I'm finally back from my little hiatus...I think the Texas heat and the start of Summer distracted us a little :)  But anyway, I can't believe how quickly time has gone by.  Tomorrow is already the 4th of July!!

I've rounded up my favorite patriotic pins today to help you out with your last minute festivity preparations.   

1.  Giggles Galore did an amazing job with their 4th of July BBQ! Super festive and kid friendly 
2.  How adorable are these cupcakes in a jar from ReMarkable Home?! Love them!  
3.  I'm obsessed with Twizzlers so I'm a little biased when I say that this is my favorite pin :)  Thank you Room to Inspire!  I love simple projects that make a huge impact.
4. Did someone say cake? Look at this festive beauty! Deliciousness by White Lilly.
5. To say that I LOVE these Rocket Dogs is an understatement!  Finding new and creative ways to prepare easy meals for kids is one of my favorite things to do on Pinterest.  Kids get into their food slumps where they only want to eat one thing over and over.  What better way to break the monotony of a boring hotdog with breadstick dough!  Recipe by Family Fun Magazine.
6.  Ahhh (sigh) sangria, how I love thee! A few years ago I traveled to Spain and it was there, on the little beach town of Alicante, that I learned of this super refreshing drink.  Whether you enjoy red or white wine, sangria is THE best cocktail for summertime.  Thank Recipe Girl for this perfectly festive drink you can enjoy tomorrow...or all week! 
7.  It's no secret that I have a terrible sweet tooth.  But when I come across sweets made with fruit, I can at least lie to myself and say it's healthy :)  Berrylicious chocolate covered strawberries by allrecipes.com.
8.  What a quick and easy way to dress up simple drinks.  Just grab some colored sugar, stir sticks, fruit, cookie cutters and voila!  Check out Celebrations at Home for more fantastic ideas. 
9.  These fruit kabobs are perfect appetizers or dessert options for your 4th of July BBQ.  Loving how simple this dish is - grab some skewers, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries and just thread the sliced fruit onto the skewer.

Well now it's time for me to run out to the grocery store and get all my supplies and ingredients for our little BBQ tomorrow.  And can't forget to break out the baby sprinkles pool for Nicholas either!  
Wishing you and your family a restful and safe (gotta keep your eyes on your little ones when playing with fireworks!) Independence Day!  Have a fun and beautiful day!
Thank you for stopping by - xoxo,