Welcome baby brunch

Today we had a little get-together brunch to welcome our little girlie. We invited mostly family and a few friends who haven't met her yet. Our house is cozy (read: small) so I tried to have a buffet-style mix of offerings which accommodated as many palates as possible. I had veggie items, some meat (ham), and a few gluten-free foods. I finally got to break in a 3-part buffet warmer my mother gifted me for Christmas plus I put beans on the stove and a few cold salads (fruit, mixed greens & a pasta). I paired these items with coffee, tea and lemonade. For dessert, I offered mini lemon pies and a pumpkin rum raisin cake I made while pregnant and froze for just such an occasion. Finally, I put out some fresh flowers, a bright tablecloth and all-white serving dishes and plates which added to the Springtime and "new" feel. Thankfully we had a beautiful day to boot so we opened up the curtains and windows to let the sun shine in and fresh air fill the house.

Of course, I couldn't forget the main ingredient & star of the show: out little girl!

Monte Cristo Sandwich

So it's Saturday and you're up a little late and craving something a bit more special and substantial than cereal or toast. Do I have the sandwich for you. A Monte Cristo sandwich is a cross between a grilled cheese, ham sandwich and french toast. It's a wonderful combo of some of my favorite things. The Monte Cristo is a variation of the French croque-monsieur.

To make one on a lazy weekend morning what you do is put some cheese (good old-fashioned cheese slices are the way I go) and ham between two pieces of sandwich bread. Then dredge the whole thing in slightly beaten egg. Fry it up in some butter until crispy on both sides. You can serve it with maple syrup, fruit or whipped cream. Enjoy and happy weekend!