Gruyere Soufflé

My youngest son's favorite way to eat eggs. Actually, it's the only way he'll eat eggs. :o)

I've also made this in one big casserole dish by doubling the recipe, but it does take a lot longer to bake, about 45-60 minutes.

• 4 egg whites
• 4 Tablespoon freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 4 1/2 teaspoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 4oz shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 big handful of mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 3 teaspoons chicken broth or white wine
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes (save 2 egg yolks for later use). Coat four 8oz ramekins with cooking spray and lightly sprinkle with parmesan cheese; set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour, nutmeg and cayenne pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat and stir in Gruyere cheese, mozzarella or cheddar, chicken broth (or wine) and mustard until cheeses are melted. Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of the hot cheese mixture into the egg yolks; return all to the pot, stirring constantly. In your stand up mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg white, cream of tartar and salt until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Fold in the egg whites into the cheese mixture until combined. Fill the ramekins evenly, don't worry if it goes all the way to the rim. Place ramekins on cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 20-22 minutes or until top has puffed and center is set. Serve immediately.
Recipe adapted from:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Camembert-Souffles

Crepes

This is a really nice change when you're looking for something a little different from pancakes. And the beauty of these is you can add some cream filling and a delicious sauce and make it a dessert. My family loves these with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream. 

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

In a blender, blend all your ingredients. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Remove from fridge and blend or whisk batter. Heat your skillet over medium heat. Spray pan with a little oil. Pour about a quarter cup of the batter into the skillet so that there is a thin layer of batter. Swirl the pan around to make sure the batter spreads evenly. Cook for about 30 seconds or until the edges are firm and can be lifted with your spatula. Flip and cook for 15-20 seconds longer. Slide crepe off of pan onto plate and top with your favorite fruit, cream and/or syrups. 

Batter can keep in fridge for up to 3 days.

Makes about 20 crepes, depending on the size of your pan.

Recipe adapted from:

http://littleyellowbarn.com/2012/06/darn-good-crepe/

Bacon & Sausage Breakfast Casserole

I've made a lot of breakfast casseroles in my day, and I've ate a lot too. :) This is one of my favorites.

• ½ pound bacon, cut into small strips
• ½ pound sausage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz gruyere cheese, shredded
• 8 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Cook bacon and sausage over medium heat until cooked through. Remove to paper towel lined plate to drain off grease. In the same pan that you used to cook your bacon and sausage, saute your onion until tender. Set aside. In a large bowl combine potatoes, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir in cottage cheese and all but 1/4 cup of the cheeses. Stir in your cooked and crumbled meats. Stir in onions and eggs. Grease a 9x13 pan and pour into pan. Top with reserved cheeses. Bake casserole for 45-50 minutes or until set-up (not wobbly) in the middle. Allow to cool before cutting.

Freezer directions: Before baking pour into  freezer safe container (freezer bag, plastic container or aluminum pan) and freeze flat. Then when ready to bake just thaw and bake as directed above.

Recipe from:

http://centercutcook.com/amish-breakfast-casserole/