Gourmet French Toast & Cinnamon Syrup

Fluffy, thick and delicious french toast that sure beats the cheap wheat bread and eggs that I usually use to make french toast.  A friend from college made this for our dance team (Spring Performing Arts Co.) and I copied her recipe down at the time. I found it in my cookbook last week and was excited to try it again.

Gourmet French Toast

• 1 1/3 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 T sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs

Mix and apply to sliced french bread. The batter will seem really thick, but trust me - it makes a yummy coating for your bread.

Cinnamon Sauce 

• 1.5 cups sugar
• 3 Tablespoons flour
• 3/4 Tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 2/3 cups water

Put the above ingredients into a pot and boil until thick.

My family was pretty excited about this switch-up from the usual maple syrup.  My daughter asked me to make it every time we have pancakes. It's easy and yummy enough that I just might oblige.

Hawaiian Pasta Salad

We love this delicious Pasta Salad.  It's a great way to use some of your leftover Easter ham.
Hawaiian Pasta Salad
8 ounces pasta (we like bow ties), cooked el dente and rinsed
2 cups diced ham
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained- save juice
1 red or yellow pepper, chopped
1-3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup reserved pineapple juice
1- 2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste

In a large bowl, mix together cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, pepper and green onion.  In a small bowl mix together the rest of the ingredients and pour over the pasta.  Mix well and chill for at least two hours.

Egg Salad Sandwiches

 This time of year, we always have egg salad sandwiches made with all of those Easter eggs.  I tried this recipe from one of those cooking videos on Facebook.  It is delicious!  So, here it is, just in time for Easter.  Try it; you'll like it!
Egg Salad Sandwiches
6 large eggs, hard boiled
4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)
2 T. dried chives
1/3 cup shredded cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
3 Tablespoons mayonnaise (you may want to add a bit more)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Mash together with a potato masher: Cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, mash the cooled, boiled eggs.  Add the bacon, cheese, and cream cheese mixture.  Mash all together.  Serve on bread, roll, or croissant.