Monday, November 5, 2012

~Breakfast at Suppertime and a Cookbook Giveaway~

When my three children were growing up, having a full-fledge breakfast at suppertime was a common occurrence.  Instead of cereal, oatmeal, Eggo waffles, or scrambled eggs and toast that were boring familiar meals the kids received during the week, I could prepare more dishes that took a little more time and effort to prepare.  Plus, it was a nice alternative to our normal evening fares usually found at the dining table.

I don't know why, but over the last few years, I haven't been preparing those "breakfast at suppertime" meals.  Maybe because it's just the two of us now or maybe just because I've gotten lax with my meal preparations and have gotten stuck in a rut.  Probably more of the latter, I think. :)

Anyway, last week, I had a hankerin' (does anyone use that phrase anymore?)...I had a hankerin' for a good ol' breakfast type meal.  So, I pulled out a cookbook that is chock full of breakfast and brunch recipes.

Yes, that's a picture of our home as you come up the drive.
Oh look!  Does the title look familiar..."country road"??  Yep, I put together this cookbook several years ago when I operated a bed and breakfast in our new home.  More about that in a bit, but let's get to the food!!

 
One recipe that I used quite often for our guests is the "Sausage Brunch Casserole".  It's easy, it's filling and, more importantly, it's yummy!!  I was really tired when I made this last week and forgot to take pictures!!  But I did have a picture that I had clipped out of the original magazine taped next to the recipe.  I'm a visual kind of person.
 
You will need these ingredients:
Pork sausage
Green onions
Mushroom stems and pieces
Tomatoes
Mozzarella Cheese
Pancake mix (Bisquick works)
Eggs
Milk
Dried oregano
Salt
Pepper
 
I created this recipe for you to use and follow.  This dish really is simple to put together and makes quite a large amount.  I usually cut it in half and it easily serves 2 to 4 people.
 
I wanted a side dish of some sort but didn't want to make a quick bread or anything like that.  So, I found a recipe for a quick, light and easy apple crisp that was originally designed for two little ramekin type dishes.  Well, that wasn't going to be enough.  Seriously!! 

I revamped the recipe a bit by adding a nice, juicy pear and then tripling the crumbly topping.  And then I added a bit more butter and sugar.  Hehe.  I laugh because I'm not one to mess with recipes too much.  My kids give me a hard time about it and then my daughter-in-love made a good observation.  I am more of a baker rather than a cooker, which is true.  I love to cook but I'd MUCH rather bake.  It does require precise ingredients whereas cooking has more room to experiment.  Which are you...baker or cooker?

Just enough crunch and flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth without all the added calories.  I did remember to take a picture as an afterthought...before it was all gone!!
 
The ingredients for the Apple-Pear Crisp are:
Tart apples
Pear
Sugar
Quick-cooking oats (I only had old-fashioned)
All-purpose Flour
Brown sugar
Pecans (optional)
Butter
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon


Here's a printable recipe of my revamped version of the Apple Crisp I found in a different cookbook.  NOTE:  This recipe is NOT included in my Breakfast & Brunch cookbook.  Sorry :/

Okay, back to the cookbook.  When I started our bed and breakfast, I came across the idea to create a cookbook for our guests so that they could have a remembrance of staying here and also to have the recipes of dishes that I made for them (they always came from the cookbook).

 When designing I love to collect recipes and went through hundreds of them looking, specifically, for those related to breakfast and brunch.  I also asked for recipes from family members.

 Many of them are my favorites and family recipes that I have used throughout our marriage.  The Apple Pull Apart Bread shown above is one of them.  I shared that recipe with you not too long ago.

The Sunday Brunch Casserole is another go-to recipe that I prepared for our guests.

I had several hundred books published and managed to sell most of them before making the decision to close our beloved bed and breakfast due to my health issues.  But I still have several books that I am wanting to sell...no need to keep them all to myself.  But, first, I am wanting to give one away!!

Yes, I am having a cookbook giveaway!!  As if you didn't already know that by the title of this post...lol.  All you have to do is answer the question I posted earlier...are you a baker or a cooker?  Do you prefer to bake things like bread, brownies, cookies, pies and such or do you prefer to cook casseroles, soups, meats and veggies?  That's it!  If you're neither, then pass this giveaway on to others who would love the chance to win one of my cookbooks.  The giveaway will be open through November 15th.

Please be sure that I have your email address so that I can contact you.  The winner will be announced the following day and I would like to have this cookbook sent out right away.  Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday!  Can you belive it's almost here?  Goodness.

I pray you are having a wonderful start to your week ~

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p.s.  I'll be sharing with you in a couple of days as to how you can purchase the cookbook ;)

You'll find me at these parties:
Cedar Hill Ranch Cowgirl Up


 

20 comments:

My Vintage Mending said...

Velma put my name at the top of the list...I would love to buy a copy. Often times the best recipes come from a spiral bound book....Mmmm....Smiles..Renee

Leslie said...

Those recipes looks delicious! I really like breakfast cassaroles, so hearty and satifying! I love staying in Bed & Breakfasts when we go on trips to make them a bit more special and romanic! :) I would say I'm more of a baker, because I have a huge sweet tooth!!
Blessings,
Leslie

Unknown said...

nice blog thanks for share this blog.
Boys Designer Clothes

Patty said...

I love cookbooks like this one! I am both. Some days I want to bake, other days I want to cook. Then there are days I want take out. LOL

Sunny Simple Life said...

I am a cooker with a little baker thrown in there. I would love to have one of your books. Have a great day!!

Erlinda said...

I used to like to bake bread, cookies & pies, but now I am into cooking new recipes due to "Pay Day Pot Lucks" at work. Its been fun cooking new meals. I would like to win your book and share your meals with others. Thanks

Blondie's Journal said...

How sweet that you owned a B&B, Velma. I love staying at them and I am always asking for their recipes! So, it was a great idea that you wrote your own book (and sold SO many!).

I'd love to win one. I have to say I am more of a cooker. With four kids and a big husband, having good meals on the table is a priority for me. Baking comes in at a close second, I guess because I am a little creative. It's wonderful when you love to do something that makes so many others happy!

XO,
Jane

Firecracker Kid said...

Oh Velma, you've inspired me and yes, we speak hankerin' around here! I used to bake a lot too and need to get back to it. Calorie counting sure does get old after awhile.
(> ” ” <)
( =’o'= )
-(,,)-(,,)-
Hugs~Carol

Anonymous said...

Velma,
Like you, although I really enjoy cooking, I LOVE baking! I am always looking for an excuse to bake. Fortunately, my daughter has many friends who have become fans of my baking, so I get to do more than I would otherwise.
Right now in the kitchen we have pumpkin crunch and a slow cooker chocolate molten lava cake. Yesterday we finished an apple crisp, and a few days before that, a coconut custard pie!

Melinda said...

Oooo, these sound so yummy!
Mr. Ken love breakfast of dinner.

I am a cooker more than a baker.

M :)

Kerin said...

Good Morning Velma..
Your dishes look delish!

We love to have breakfast for dinner around here, too.
With my husband leaving for work at 4:00 am, he rarely gets a hot breakfast.
So, for him, it's a real treat.

I've told you before, that I admire your creativity so much.
It doesn't surprise me, that you created a cookbook, to enhance the experience of your guests at your B&B.

I'd have to say, I'm both a baker and a cook.
I love to do both, and do both on a regular basis.
Nothing like a home cooked meal!

Thank you for this post, and for taking the time to post some of the delicious recipes for us to print and try.

Have a wonderful day... full of warmth, sunshine, and blessings.

Smiles :)
K.

Meryl said...

I'm a baker. I love baking cakes, cookies, and brownies.

Susan B said...

Please enter me in the giveaway for that wonderful cookbook!! The dishes sound mouthwatering!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How fabulous! These are my favorite dishes to have at any meal! Thanks for a chance to win the cookbook! Hugs!

Mrs.T said...

I guess I am both a cooker and a baker. I really love to bake, but I do much more cooking than baking. I enjoy both. Thanks for the chance to win this yummy-looking cookbook!

TinaTx said...

Oh, please throw my name in the pot for the cook book! I love to cook and bake but I get bored sometimes using the same recipes - I'm going to try the ones you posted here but I would love to see more.

Susan in SC said...

Please put my name on the list. I just found your blog this morning. I love the recipes that you have listed! My children are Russian so guess which recipe I will be making!

Thanks,
Susan in SC
http://mycottagelife.blogspot.com
purrs2u @ gmail . com

Cindy said...

Your recipes sound wonderful, I love a breakfast casserole. It's hard to find a really good one, though. Thanks for these.
And I love to cook and bake, no preference, really.
Hugs, Cindy

Sally said...

I'm mostly a cooker, but my daughter is a baker so we make a good team!!

sally.puckett@yahoo.com

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Oh we often get a hankerin around here for breakfast at dinner time! And I love to BAKE! My favorite thing to make is a Panakoeken. And I know I just spelled that wrong, but it doesn't matter because it tastes so right! lol Covered in melted butter and powdered sugar, it's perfect for dinner! HaHa!
I'd love to learn your recipes Velma!
Erica :)

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