On the 8th Day of Christmas Those Ladies Got Busy!

Happy New Year’s Day one and all! Another year over, a new one has begun. We turn the page, and life begins again. Praise be!

Woven throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas (Christmas Day to the Epiphany) is a message from above. This is now the 8th day, and the Maids a Milking represent Christ’s Sermon on the Mound. The Eight Beatitudes are intended to be source of strength in times of dark despair.

Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who mourn; for they shall be comforted
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful; for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart; for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of God.

What is the message? Simply put, this too shall pass. If you are in a good place, praise the Lord for His good graces. Share this with others, be their light in the darkness. If you find yourself in a dark place, know that you are not alone, for the Lord our God is with you. Believe, rejoice and never loose Hope.

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In the South, New Years Day means serving up a big bowl of Black Eyed Peas. It’s tradition. And that’s fine. But have you ever wanted to have something decadent for breakfast? Not just a slice of yesterday’s Birthday Cake, but something sinfully delicious? Me, too.

Bananas Foster French Toast
French Toast
6 slices Brioche Bread
1/2 cup Milk
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Almond Extract
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Pinch Salt
1 tablespoon Butter
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil

Heat oven to 250 degrees. Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking dish, place in the oven to warm.

Place milk in a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Add eggs, almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Whip with a hand-held electric whip to blend well. Pour mixture into a large shallow bowl or dish Soak as many slices of bread as possible in the egg mixture 5 minutes, turning once.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter with 1 tablespoon of the oil on griddle over medium heat. Add the soaked bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until well browned. Add more butter and oil to the pan as needed.

Once all the bread is cooked, place on the wire baking tray and hold in the warm oven.

Bananas Foster Topping
2 firm Bananas
4 tablespoons Butter
1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
Pinch Cinnamon

Peel and slice the bananas, set aside.

In a small skillet, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved into butter. Add banana slices to pan, gently stirring and turning to coat the slices in caramel sauce. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon. Bananas are done when they are warmed through.

To Serve: Remove toast from the oven, plate on a serving platter. Pour bananas foster mixture over French Toast. Serve and enjoy.