Memorial Weekend Breakfast for a Crowd

It’s actually been celebrated since the Civil War to commemorate the many sacrifices made of both Union and Confederate soldiers—but in 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday.

However you’ll be celebrating,  you’ll likely have some house-guests with hungry tummies-you’ve got the grill ready, but how about breakfast, since after all, who wants to cook first thing in the morning? Here’s a yummy idea, timed perfectly since blueberries are in season that is best prepared the night before:

“Easy Overnight Blueberry French Toast” (serves 6; prep time 15 min; cook time 35 min)

Ingredients

• 2 French Baguettes cut into ½ slices (discard the ends)
• 1 12 oz package cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 cups blueberries
• ½ t. cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream or milk
• ½ t. vanilla extract

Topping

• ½ stick butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ t. ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Lightly butter a 3-quart casserole dish.
2. In a medium bowl using a hand mixer or large spoon, combine the cream cheese with the maple syrup and cinnamon, then fold in the blueberries.
3. Spread about one tablespoon of the blueberry cream cheese mixture onto one side of each slice of bread. Place bread slices evenly in a row in the prepared baking dish.
4. Use a glass measuring cup or bowl to whisk together the eggs, cream or milk, and vanilla. Pour mixture evenly over bread slices.
5. Cover pan with foil and refrigerate at least 3 hours-overnight. (overnight is best)
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
7. Place the bread mixture in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Prepare the topping: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the maple syrup and cinnamon.  Drizzle over French toast as desired.

Leah Callahan