Happy Halloween!

I have such great memories of this holiday from growing up! It is my dad's birthday (click here to read how awesome he is) and so we always had a haunted house for all the trick or treaters that was legitimately scary and took a while to set up but was so worth it. We ended the night with all my parent's friends coming over for pumpkin pie and a birthday celebration. Who wouldn't love that as a kid? Some of my favorite memories are from this day!

Enjoy this Halloween round-up!

A great Halloween video...

(when she is carrying her...hilarious!)

 

A yummy Halloween snack...



via

 

A creepy yet humorous Halloween costume...

via

 

A gorgeous Halloween porch...

via

A stunning Halloween tablescape...

via

 

Possibly the most beautiful carved pumpkin I've ever seen...

 

via

 

And the best Halloween movie ever...





via

 

Does anyone NOT like the movie Hocus Pocus?

Laura

 

P.S. Today is also my due date! 







Last Minute Halloween Costume

In case you're looking for something inexpensive (in this case, pretty much free) and last minute for Halloween this year, I have your answer!

Last year, the hubster and I went to a casual costume dinner at a friend's house and dressed as a team on the Amazing Race. Simple, cheap and super comfortable. Perfect combination!



We wore black workout pants, matching blue shirts and black jackets. We stuffed our hiking backpacks with pillows (lightest pack ever!) but you could just use a normal backpack if you don't have a full hiking kind.

After a quick google image search for Amazing Race, I printed off the logo and attached it to a manila envelope. To take it one step further, I printed off "Road Blocks" and "Mission" cards that went inside the envelope- both are aspects of the show! I attached these to our backpacks with carabiners and a rubber band.

Simple doesn't describe how easy this costume was to create and we got to wear workout clothes all night which was basically like wearing classy pajamas.

Hope this helps any last minute costume binds!
Laura

Halloween Dinner

I love these cute ideas for a pre trick or treating (or waiting for trick or treaters at your house!) dinner! So festive, easy and a great memory maker!

Ghost Pizza


Halloween Stuffed Peppers


Mummy Dogs


Jack O Lantern Quesadillas


Boo-ghetti

 

Happy Halloween Eating!

Laura

Friday Funny

I really hope Charlotte is like these two cuties! I die.

 

I mean, have you ever seen so much cuteness?!

Laura

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Everything you love about Pumpkin Pie but without turning on the oven, making and pre-baking a crust and in a lot less time? Done and done.

A fluffy dip perfect for football watching, book club, or friends-giving!

And you don't have to tell anyone how simple and skinny it is!

I will most definitely be making this dip again, especially because it's so easy to have all these ingredients on hand for a quick dessert!

Served with sliced apples and graham crackers when around a group of people...a spoon is all you need if it's just you at home, on the couch, watching TV...not that I did that or anything...

 

 

Pumpkin Pie Dip

Adapted slightly from SkinnyTaste

Yield: A lot..this picture is only half the total amount!

Total Time: 5 min. plus chilling

 

Ingredients:

15 oz. can pumpkin

1 packet instant vanilla pudding mix

1 8 oz. container fat free cool whip

2/3 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Sliced apples and graham crackers for serving

 

Directions:

Mix pumpkin with pudding mix, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in cool whip. Chill until ready to serve!

 

Enjoy!

Laura

 



The Birthday Project

(I know you will enjoy this guest post from my best friend and a spin she took on her birthday this year. It's so inspiring to make a day that is about you and turn it into a day about others, the whole time doing your best to glorify God and make life about others instead of yourself. Enjoy!)

I first ran across "The Birthday Project" on none other than Pinterest (where most amazing ideas can be found). The idea is that you spend your birthday serving others through randoms acts of kindness. I pinned the Birthday Project on my "Give it away now" board, but it seemed to stick on my heart more than the DIY ruffle Christmas skirt that I also happened to pin that day. As a Christian, I understand that I am called to serve others, but quite frankly I'm not very good at it. It really takes thought and motivation to serve. My friends know that I don't often think ahead, and details aren't my thing (opposite of my dear friend Laura, but they say opposites attract). But God didn't tell us to go and do what comes easily and naturally and not really worry about the rest. So with all this laying heavy on my heart - I decided to spend my 27th birthday giving God the glory by doing 27 random acts of kindness.

At first I didn't really want to tell people what I was doing because I didn't want people to think I was doing it for me - I wanted it to be explicitly clear that this was for God. If I wanted to do something to make myself seem cool...I would go to the hair salon and get an new ombre 'do. After some serious prayer "to make my words and actions about Him and for Him," I was ready to begin.

I have recently moved to Fresno, California where my husband and I knew NO one. Not a soul. But through our Lifegroup at church I met my dear friend, Jen. She is the kind of friend that when we went on our first girl date for lunch, we left almost 4 hours later. It was love - instantly. I asked her to accompany on my birthday mission, and she gladly joined my team. She was the master behind documenting our activities - perhaps because she's an AWESOME photographer (as in literally - that's her career)?! Anyways, here is what we spent the day doing.

1. Mailed my grandparents a letter and included some photos of life recently (since they don't stalk me via FaceBook)

2. Gave away the 50% off your entire purchase coupon to a shopper at The Loft

3. Returned the neighbor's garbage cans for them

4. Held open doors at Barnes and Noble (oddly there aren't many stores that don't have those magical automatic doors)

5. Sent a card to a new mommy with a movie giftcard so they can go on a date when they find the time :)

6. Handed out bubbles to kids

7. Made a meal for a stressed friend

8. Left some coins at a laundromat

9. Took some cookies and a sweet note to the Police station

10. Fed some parking meters

11. Left a note and a candy bar for my mail woman (to which I received a thank you note)



12. Wrote 2 encouraging notes and left them on random cars

13. I bought a pair of TOMS (this is a win-win really. I get shoes and so does someone else :)

14. Took coloring books and crayons to the Children Hospital

15. Bought a book and gave it to a special child

16. Handed out water bottles to people riding their bikes or dancing on the sidewalk. California loves to pay people to dance with signs at street corners. Which I'm okay with because they are actually pretty incredible.

17. Washed peoples car windows at a gas station.

18. Donated to the Salvation Army.

19. Handed out balloons to kids shopping with their parents.



20. Used my Starbuck's free birthday drink on the girl behind us.

21. Returned grocery carts for people, and returned stray ones when we couldn't find people to help out.

22. Bought Jen the couch cover she loves.

23. Bought a gift card at the grocery store and then gave it to man in line with his kids.

24. Printed off coupons for Target goods, and then found the goods in the store and taped the coupons to them.

25. My favorite of the day. Bought a gift card at Red Robin and then handed it to a family of 6.

26. Left change on a vending machine.

27. I was super nice all day driving in my car....I let people go ahead, cross in front of me, switch lanes....perhaps this is a small one - but let's face it driving nice all day isn't always that easy :)

 

Reflecting on my day, I would say that is in the top three best birthdays ever, right up there with the hot/cold scavenger hunt my parents sent me on to find my presents (the microwave was the best hiding spot). I think the experience helped me realize it's not about big or small in God's kingdom. He called and I listened. Perhaps all these "little" works helped me get my feet wet, and will lead me to the plans He has for me - the work He has set out for me. My prayer is that I would open my heart, eyes, and ears to follow Him wherever He might want to send me. I would encourage anyone that's interested to do this or a version of this. I promise it won't leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. 

This is the original link that inspired me (click here) if you want to read about Robyn's experience.

 

Kelsey

 

P.S. Search your instagram app for #kmbirthdaymission for pictures from the day!

Apple Spiced Scones with Spiced Glaze

I know I've told y'all this before but in case you forgot or still find it really, really odd, I'll remind you.

My hubby loves scones.

Scones? Yes, scones.

My rock climbing, triathlon competing, double black diamond skiing husband enjoys a good scone.

Funny.

And I'll give you all one guess where I found another successful recipe, this time for a scone... you guessed it- SkinnyTaste!

I made SkinnyTaste's Delightful Apple Spiced Scones with Spiced Glaze and they were a hit! Instead of forming them into a circle, I made a long rectangle and cut them into small triangles before baking. This was great as I sent some of them into my husband's work and they were the perfect size to grab on the go! Not to mention, they served a lot more people than the 12 scones it originally makes.

These are a nice, light, Autumn-ish snack or breakfast and guilt-free, at that.

(Don't let the buttermilk addition sway you from not making these- just measure 1/2 tbsp. vinegar in a liquid measuring cup then fill the rest of the way to 1/2 cup with milk. Let stand 5 minutes and, voila, 1/2 c. buttermilk!)

Click here for the link to the original recipe from SkinnyTaste!

Enjoy!

Laura



I really love my...{phone cover}

(see here for all previous posts in the I really love my... series)

Having an iPhone without a case makes me really nervous.

Like going somewhere without my purse.

Like watching someone take on the big red balls on the show, Wipeout.

Or like carrying around a baby without a diaper. Too far?

Anyways, those little suckers (iPhones, that is) are fragile and slippery and cost way too much for me to be whipping it around without a case.

Kate Spade makes my favorite cases because of how stinkin' cute they are! She has hard and silicone cases, whichever you prefer!

Here are some of my favorites...

And the one I have...

1/2/3/4/5/6

Not that I need a new iPhone case...

Laura

Beer Bread

In case you haven't picked up on things around here, I love any recipe that is simple.

Rosemary Rolls? Simple.

Tomato Soup? Simple.

Cornflake Chicken? Simple.

And this recipe is no different.

Bake at 350 is another one of my daily blog reads that is full of sweet and decadent treats. Not to mention, she is an amazing cookie decorator and has a new book out full of gorgeous designs with step-by-step illustrations!

via

And, although her cookie decor is simply amazing, it's her beer bread recipe that has become a staple for me. 

Take a basic mixture of self-rising flour, butter and sugar and mix it up with different types of beer and fillings. 

For example...

via

How great do those flavors sound?

I have tried all but the classic (because really, when you have those other flavor options, do you really want it to be so plain?) and it is hard to pick a favorite. 

The chocolate chip is perfect for a sweet breakfast (yes, I said breakfast) or mid-afternoon snack that fills my sweet tooth.

The orange nutmeg really does taste like a breakfast option or the perfect companion to a hearty pork dish.

And you can't go wrong with rosemary in my book. Add gruyere to that, too? Perfection with a bowl of soup. 

I like to pour the batter into small loaf pans and pass them out to neighbors and friends, too. One for you, one for me. 

Click here for the link to the basic recipe and how to make all the variations! 

The hardest part is choosing which one to start with!

Laura

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Remember that time I posted about a Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas and said the word "chimichanga" about 18 times? Well, get ready because here we go again.

My bestie kept raving about a recipe she found for baked chimichangas and said she had been making them almost weekly because they were so simple and delicious.

I gave it a try one night and, not that I doubted her, but I was reminded why we are best friends. She was so right on about these chimichangas.

She suggested a few tweaks and the recipe made 10 chimichangas! So, if you know me very well, you'll know that "freezer meal" immediately popped into my head. I cooked 6 that night for dinner and lunches the rest of the week for me and the hub and froze the other four. I wrapped the uncooked chimichangas in foil and threw them all in a freezer bag! Perfect for once Charlotte arrives and we can pull out one or all 4 of them for dinner.

This is a new favorite of mine for our own house and I think it'd be perfect to take to neighbors and friends when they have a new baby or other life changes!



Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Yield: 10 chimichangas

Prep Time: 30 min. (including cooking chicken) Total Time: 1 hr. 

Adapted from The Other Side of Fifty

 

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (I cooked a few chicken breasts for multiple meals and shredded 2 in the food processor)

1 pkg. Mexican style rice, prepared

1 can Ro-tel
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
pinch of cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
6-8 ounces of shredded cheese (I used a Mexican mix)
10 burrito-size tortillas

Canola Oil for brushing

 

Directions:

Puree Ro-tel in food processor or blender and pour into medium mixing bowl. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Stir in the shredded chicken, rice and taste, then season with salt and pepper if needed. You can refrigerate the mixture here for a few hours or days, if need be, to make dinner prep simple!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Wrap tortillas with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds to soften.

To build the chimichangas place a handful of cheese on the tortilla and top it with about a 1/2 c. of the chicken mixture. Fold the bottom of the tortilla over the mixture, fold up the sides and roll the chimichanga on top of itself. (See here for a visual of rolling up the chimichanga). Place seam side down on the baking sheet and brush with canola oil. If freezing, wrap in foil and place in labeled freezer bag.

 

Bake for 17-20 min. or until golden brown. Serve with sour cream, salsa and chopped avocado for topping!

 

Enjoy!

Laura

Baby Reads

Everybody loves to give you advice when you're pregnant.

What to eat, what not to eat.
What vitamins to take, what vitamins not to take.
Read this, watch this, take this class, do this exercise...
You get the picture.

Well, here I am, hopping aboard the advice train. But I like to thing of these more as recommendations...take it or leave it. Won't bother me one bit!

During my pregnancy, the library has become one of my best friends. I have checked out a lot of prenatal workout videos and pregnancy books, some that I've ended up loving and buying and some that I couldn't even finish.

Here are my top reads...

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg

I ended up buying this book after reading it because it was so easy to understand and apply. It is very similar to Baby Wise (see next book) but I liked her examples, stories and time lines better for me. She has different categories of baby personalities and I'm excited to meet Charlotte, get to know her and see how I can best support her as a baby according to Tracy's categories.

 

Baby Wise

Baby Wise has the go-to sleep program for infants, in my opinion. Again, the timeline is similar to the Baby Whisperer which promotes self-soothing in infants. They use the idea of feeding your baby then having awake/play time before taking their nap or going to sleep for the night. The charts and time lines in the back of the book are extremely helpful for the Type A personality, like myself!

 

Heading Home with Your Newborn

This book is written by two pediatricians and gave a great overview on all topics that you might (and most likely will) run into the first few months of your babies life. I finished the book feeling informed but not overwhelmed and that I had just enough knowledge on each topic to feel comfortable.

I know, just what you need, more advice during this time in your life. The best advice is to listen to every one's advice with a smile and a "thank you!" and then choose to use it or not!

 

Library + Me = BFF,

Laura

 



Salted Nut Bars

Paydays are totally underrated.

Not the kind at your job where you get a check and money, I think we can all agree those are awesome.

I mean the caramel and peanut candy bar. Salty + Sweet = True Love 4 Ever.

These Salted Nut Bars remind me of a Payday on steroids.

A peanut butter cookie crust, layers of caramel, peanuts, marshmallow and candy corn.

Take a second and read that sentence again. All the good things in life, right there.

 



I will note that this recipe has multiple steps, it's messy to make and, although simple, it's time consuming. But once I took one bite, I forgot about all of that. Amazing.

I feel like that is what pregnancy is like, too. It's tiring, uncomfortable and time consuming but I am assuming once you meet your precious baby, you forget about all of that. I don't know why people would have multiple children if that's not the case. I'll keep you updated.

So, I didn't plan on comparing these Salted Nut Bars to pregnancy and childbirth but that just happened. Hm.

On that note, click here for the original recipe by Just A Pinch!

Enjoy!
Laura

P.S. Happy Birthday to my wonderful mom! Read how amazing she is here!

Friday Funny

via

 

Made me laugh!

Laura

Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Muffins

I'm sure y'all have seen this same concept around- a muffin with only 2 ingredients! Or 3 ingredients! Or heck- only one ingredient!

Well, I'm on that same train but mine are a super complicated 4 ingredients! Whew.

My best friend from college's mom always made these muffins for us and they are now a fall staple.



Pumpkin, cake mix, water and cinnamon chips combined to make a moist, flavorful treat. Yep, still 4 ingredients. You can do it, I promise.

The cinnamon chips are made by Hershey's and can be a little tricky to find so stock up when you do. My mom and I found them at Reasor's in Oklahoma when I was back in the summer and I loaded up for this recipe. You can always use chocolate chips, too. I have and they are still delicious!



This is a great recipe that you can always have the ingredients on hand for unexpected guests or a surprise treat for your friends and neighbors!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Chip Muffins

Yield: 24 muffins

Prep Time: 5 min. Total Time: 30 min.

 

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 can pumpkin (actual pumpkin, not pie filling)

1 c. water

1 c. cinnamon chips

 

Directions:

Mix cake mix, pumpkin and water in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in cinnamon chips. Scoop into greased muffin tins or tins lined with cupcake liners.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 min. until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool.

 

Enjoy!

Laura

 

Canning Essentials

If yesterday's apple butter post inspired you to hop aboard the canning train, let me tell you about a few of my favorite things that make the whole process easier.

There are two different types of canning and I use the water bath method so this is what I use for processing and cooking...

Canning Utensil Set

This comes with a funnel (essential as it fits onto the jars perfectly), a jar lifter (boiling water is hot, y'all), a magnetic lid lifter for pulling the lids and rims out of their pot of water and a bubble remover/headspace tool to make sure you're filling the jar properly.

 

Fresh Preserving Kit

A 21 qt. water bath canning system. I tried to use a large pot I had on hand for my first batch of jam and, although it got the job done, it was very difficult and not ideal for larger or more cans. This kit actually comes with not only the pot, but the 4 pieces listed above and a canning rack that fits in the pot to make it easy to place jars in and remove jars from the hot water!

 

The Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving

Not only recipes but instructions and how-to guides for all levels of canners.

 

You Can Can book

I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was first attracted to this book because of the title. So witty. I went to the bookstore and perused lots of different instruction books on canning and I felt this one had a great variety of how to prepare your veggies/fruit/etc., how to process your cans, how to prepare your supplies for canning and a plethora of recipes. The Gingered Cranberry Pear Chutney? Delish over cream cheese with crackers.

 

I use Ball Jars that I pick up at our grocery store but you can also get them at any craft store.

These 8 oz. Quilted Jelly Jars are my favorite.

I only buy regular mouth size jars so that I'm only buying one size of replacement lids (they can only be used once!).

And how cute are these 4 oz. quilted jars? Love.

 

Oh, and if you're planning on quadrupling the apple butter and peeling, coring and slicing 10 lbs. of apples, I HIGHLY recommend one of these.



 

There are so many online resources available, as well. Which come in handy when you're in the middle of canning something and you have no idea what's going on....trust me, that's normal.

 

Also, if you live in Colorado or high altitude (ie: not Oklahoma), this website is key for modifying your processing time because of the altitude.

 

All of the titles of the items are links to purchasing them, too, if you're interested!

 

You CAN can!

Laura

 



Slow Cooked Apple Butter

When we first moved to Colorado, it took an extremely long time for my teaching license to transfer over from Texas. So, in that time, I picked up a lot of new hobbies, one being canning!

I first tried canning a small batch of jam and, although it was extremely frustrating because I had no idea what I was doing, it became something that I really look forward to doing!

Now every Autumn, I load up on fresh, scrumptious apples and make apple butter! It is a perfect introduction recipe to canning and I love that come December, the apple butter flavors are still perfectly canned and I have a load of stocking stuffers and small gifts to pass out to neighbors, family and friends!

But don't let the canning aspect deter you from this recipe- you absolutely don't have to can this! Just make it and keep it in the fridge for a delicious spread for your bread, a stir-in for your yogurt (delicious!!) or make it extra decadent and make a batch of my Apple Butter Rolls!

And- wouldn't you know- this recipe is from Skinnytaste! So it's guilt-free, too!



I quadrupled this recipe (10 lbs. of apples!) and picked up organic Gala apples from our local farmer's market grocery store at 99 cents a pound! What a deal.





Oh, did I mention that this is made in the SLOW COOKER? And makes your house smell amazing? Now you have to make it.

Slow Cooked Apple Butter

Recipe from Skinnytaste

Yield: 2 cups

 

Ingredients:
2.5 lbs (6 large) apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped (I used gala but honeycrisp or a mix of the two works well, too)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

Place the apples in a slow cooker. Top with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg and mix well.

Cover and cook on low 10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown.

Uncover and puree with an immersion blender. Cook on high uncovered 1-2 hours.

Spoon into sterile jars for canning, or containers and refrigerate.


Enjoy!
Laura

Friday Flashback

I am not ashamed to admit that I loved high school.

I had great friends and teachers. I got to dance on the Pom squad pretty much every day for all 4 years. Lots of really fun memories.

Although this video is not from my high school and I'm pretty sure these boys are still in high school but it reminds me so much of my group of high school friends and the fun, crazy things they would do at football games and assembly's. No shame. So much fun.

My aunt sent me this video last weekend and I had to share! Hope it brings a smile to your face this Friday!



Such talent.
Laura

They're Real!

Obviously, I am talking about my eyelashes.

I am one of those people that if I knew I was headed to a deserted island, I would seriously contemplate bringing mascara. I think it makes such a big difference in your look, no matter how casual or formal the day.

Although, I am very certain that a toothbrush and toothpaste would win out. That's just nasty.

I have worn LashBlast Luxe by CoverGirl for the last few years and really like the price ($8!), how convenient it is to pick up at the grocery store, and the shade (Black Cabernet) that has a hint of purple in it to balance out my brown eyes.

But, move over CoverGirl. There's a new (to me) mascara in town. And it might be sent straight from heaven.

 

Enter Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara.

 





A month ago, it seems like I was hearing about this mascara daily on twitter, TV, etc. It must have been a sign.

 

When I finally got around to going to the mall, Sephora was on my list to see this miracle worker for myself. It is pricier than the CoverGirl ($23) but I am addicted.

 

It makes my lashes look completely different than I've ever seen- longer and thicker but doesn't look over the top fake. I don't think this will be a daily mascara for me because I'm cheap but I love it to have for date nights, sleep-less nights, etc.

 

Look at the difference between my ordinary lashes...



 

...and my lashes when I use They're Real! Mascara.

 



 

It's a little hard to tell in the pictures but there is such a noticeable difference in real life!

 

They're Real! Mascara is available at Sephora, Ulta and other beauty retailers. Perfect for upcoming holiday parties and making this soon-to-be mommy look like she's had a full night's rest when she hasn't slept a wink. Sold.

 

Those eye pictures are super creepy...sorry...

Laura

Caramel Apple and Pumpkin Spice Bread

I've heard that indecisiveness is common when you're pregnant.

Well, when you have delicious options like Caramel Apple Swirl and Pumpkin Spice Swirl bread, how is anyone supposed to chose just one? Pregnant or not.



Needless to say, I bought both at the grocery store last week.

Let the taste test begin!

First up, toasted with a thin layer of butter. Hands down- Caramel Apple Swirl bread takes the cake. The apple flavor is strong but not overpowering. It tasted actually very fresh and made me feel like I was smack dab in the heart of Autumn. Despite the heat blazing outside.

The Pumpkin Spice Swirl bread was still delicious, don't get me wrong, but this was a competition and like all good competitions, there can be only be one winner.

I knew both of these breads would be even better as french toast.

And I was right.

The Pumpkin Swirl bread got the normal French toast treatment.

But the Caramel Apple Swirl Bread got kicked up a notch.

An apple and cinnamon-cream stuffed notch.

Reminiscent of the Peaches 'n Cream Stuffed French Toast but with a fall twist.

 Caramel Apple 'n Cream Stuffed French Toast

Prep Time: 15 min. Total Time: 25 min.

Yield: 2 servings

Adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod

For the apples:
1 thinly sliced apple
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Dash vanilla extract
1/2 tbsp. white sugar
1 tbsp. water

For the filling:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cooked apple

For the French toast:
4 slices Caramel Apple Swirl Bread
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Diced apples and maple syrup, for serving

Directions:
First, cook the apple. Combine all the apple ingredients in a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat until the apples are tender but still have a slight crunch. About 15 minutes.

To make the filling, in a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract, until smooth. Spread cream cheese filling on slices of bread; top with cooked apple slices. Make two French toast "sandwiches."

In shallow pan, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture, on each side. Do not let the bread sit in the egg mixture for very long.

Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Cook French toast sandwiches, on both sides, until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes each side. Serve warm with diced apples and maple syrup.

Enjoy!
Laura