Raspberry French Toast Casserole *As Seen in Engagement 101 Magazine*

Am I the only one who dreams about brunch even on a Monday? Put this on your list for next weekend, even if you and your love’s parents have already met!

Introducing Your Parents to Each Other (As published in this month’s issue of Engagement 101 Magazine)

Not all parental meet and greets involve the antics of Ben Stiller, so if you’re looking for a low-pressure scenario, why not serve them brunch? This mid morning meal naturally lends itself to being more casual, so pour a few bellinis and prepare a raspberry french toast casserole. Everyone will be so busy talking about this warm, melty comfort food that the attention will be lifted from the introductions!

While it’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive before everyone arrives, avoid taking stress out on your partner. Getting riled up and being unkind to one another will only start the day off on a tense note. Instead, concentrate on being a team by cooking for your parents together.

Working in the kitchen as a couple enhances your connection as you both contribute towards executing a successful outcome. Not only will this help you focus on the meal rather than the gathering, but also give you a sense of pride to accomplish something as a pair.

Sharing the responsibilities mirrors the overall give and take of a relationship, which will shine through when you present the food to your families. This can even lead to some ice-breaking story telling as you laugh with your parents about how the oven mitt almost caught fire, and lightheartedly fill them in on your shared experience. Plus, this one-dish meal makes for easy clean up. Less scrubbing over the sink means more time bonding with the folks.

 That’s SO Jenn’s Raspberry French Toast Casserole

1 loaf cinnamon swirl raisin bread

4 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup milk

1 ½ pints fresh raspberries

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup sugar

Dash of cinnamon

1 cup white chocolate chips

Powdered sugar

Butter for greasing

Pinch of salt

Instructions: 

Cook ½ pint of raspberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar and cinnamon over medium-low heat until vinegar dissolves and mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk eggs.

Pour in milk.

And vanilla.

Sprinkle in salt.

Coat a baking dish with butter.

Dip each piece of bread in the egg mixture, covering completely.

 Layer battered bread slices on the bottom of your baking dish.

You may need to cut some pieces to fit.

Spread raspberry compote over the first layer of bread.

Cover with a second layer of egg-battered bread.

Again, cut pieces to fit when necessary.

Top with 1/2 pint fresh raspberries.

And white chocolate chips.

Bake about 30 minutes until golden brown.  Cover immediately with remaining ½ pint of fresh raspberries.

Sift powder sugar over top.

Eat and enjoy warm with maple syrup!