5 Ingredient Overnight French Toast Casserole

I always love pre-made options for feeding my family, so over the holidays I set out to search for an overnight french toast casserole recipe. I was so excited to try out something new, but was shocked when I saw just how much sugar was included in most recipes. No judgement here, I love sugary homemade treats, but I don't want to make every breakfast a dessert. Plus, french toast is a breakfast that already typically gets doused in syrup by my kids, so I wanted it to be a tad healthier.  

When I couldn't find what I wanted I decided to adapt my french toast recipe to suit an overnight bake. It was so simple, and turned out better than I could have expected. The kids gobbled it up and begged for seconds. Plus, mom and dad loved it too. 

The best part is that it only takes 5 ingredients and a few minutes to make up the night before. Then you get to enjoy your morning with your family while the delicious smell of fresh baked french toast casserole wafts through your home. For a tired mama, it doesn't get much better.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of crusty bread cut into cubes (I used an Italian loaf this time, but plan on trying a whole grain variety next time.)

• 8 large eggs whisked

• 3 cups whole milk (or combo of milk and cream)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Grease large casserole dish with butter (approximately 9x13)

• Cut up crusty loaf into chunks and place in casserole dish *If bread is not stale leave it out in the dish for a while to dry out. It absorbs the custard better when dry.

• In a large bowl whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon & vanilla

• Pour custard mixture over bread

• Use a silicone flipper to gently rotate bread in pan so it all gets covered in custard

• Cover with Abeego or plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight

• When ready to bake preheat oven to 350 degrees and remove plastic wrap

• Use silicone flipper to rotate bread again and pat down into pan with flipper

• Place in oven and bake for 45 minutes rotating the pan half way through

• *optional* When timer is up, sprinkle top with 1 tsp granulated sugar and broil on low for 5 minutes.

• Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

For a special treat on New Years Day I served the casserole with fresh whipped cream, some delicious maple syrup and tons of berries and bananas. Plus a hearty helping of local bacon ;) For regular everyday eating try serving it with greek/coconut yogurt and fresh fruit. Plus you can sprinkle the top with some hemp hearts for a little extra boost.

You can also add fresh or frozen fruit to your french toast casserole before baking. Blueberries and diced apples are both delicious additions to this simple recipe.

Hope you and your family enjoy this as much as mine did. Please let me know if you make it. I would love to hear how it goes.

Care xo

Who Wants to WIN an Amazing Maternity Photoshoot GIVEAWAY? Enter Now! *$350 Value

If you have a baby on the way and want some beautiful pregnancy photos you can't miss out on this amazing GIVEAWAY from Sara Elisabeth Photography. Enter Now (by simply joining her mailing list) for a chance to Win a Maternity Photoshoot & an incredible assortment of products valued at $350!

The Prize Includes:

• A 1 Hour Maternity Photoshoot
• 8 High Resolution Digital Images
• 2 8x10 Prints 
• 1 Bragbook

We were fortunate to have Sara take our family photos a few years ago in Parkdale, and absolutely love them. Here are a few of my favourites from that session. Looking at these I can't believe how much the kids have grown and changed. I'm so grateful I have these memories to look back on. To see more from our session Click Here

Don't forget to Enter Sara's Giveaway! Contest Closes Friday March 31st 2017. Good Luck!

 Care

*The post is not sponsored.

Top 3 Myths About Wills and Estate Planning – Guest Post by Laroux Peoples LLB

Please welcome guest blogger Laroux Peoples LLB, who is here to give us the ins and outs on wills and estate planning for young parents. Laroux is a local mom and lawyer whose practice focusses on wills and estates. She offers in home services, which are ideal for young families, plus a special perk of 20% off for Fifty-Seven’s clients & readers. If you need any help or advice please don’t hesitate to reach out to Laroux at Peoples Law.

Top 3 Myths About Wills and Estate Planning

Have you been avoiding getting your will done? You are not alone. Many Canadians procrastinate on this one. Young parents often think that it’s not important to get a will at this stage of life. To this, here are the top 3 myths about wills for young parents:

Myth #1: Wills only deal with money, and I don’t have much so why bother?
The most important part of a will has nothing to do with money, it’s about who would care for your child or children should something happen to both parents. This is called the Guardianship clause and allows you as parents to decide who would care for your child or children should something happen to both of you and they were under 18 years of age.

Myth #2: If I don’t have a will, my friends and family will know what to do.
Unfortunately, friends and family can’t make decisions on your behalf if you pass away without a will. Without a will explaining your interest, the Court gets to unilaterally decide who will take care of your children. In addition, if you pass away without a will, the government decides who gets your money.

Myth #3: Estate planning is only necessary as you get older.
Not true! A lawyer can help you determine who would be best suited to manage your finances or deal with your health care if you were in hospitalized and left incapable of makings these important decisions for yourself.

If you have any questions or want to discuss what it takes to get started planning your estate, please feel free to contact Laroux at 416-994-3474 or laroux@peopleslaw.ca and don’t forget to mention us to receive 20% off!
 
*Laroux will be one of the guest speakers at our special Bloor West Holiday Cafe on Tuesday December 8th at Diaper-eez. Stay tuned for exciting details in the coming days!

Family Photo Session GIVEAWAY!!

Want a chance to WIN a Professional Family Photo Session? Check it out!

Last fall our family had a lovely photo session in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood with Sara Elisabeth Photography. Our session was quick and fun (so ESSENTIAL with 2 young kids!) and produced some absolutely incredible memories. I've been meaning to share the photos for months, but what better time than with a GIVEAWAY!

Sara has generously offered my readers a chance to WIN a Complimentary Family Photo Session & 8x10 Print *$345 value!!

To Enter: Simply follow Fifty-Seven & Sara Elisabeth Photography on Facebook and comment on the contest Facebook Post with your name, and tag up to 2 other local Toronto families that you think deserve a photo session. If you're chosen, all 3 families will receive a Complimentary Session & Print! Winners will be announced Saturday July 25th.

Check out our family photos and Sara's beautiful work. I know you won't be able to resist entering. 

Don't forget to enter for a chance to WIN! 

Good luck!

- Care

*There will be another draw held via Instagram so feel free to enter both.