September 2011 Host: Jaci
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
March by Geraldine Brooks
Summary
This Pulitzer prize winning novel is an interpretation of the life of the absentee father (Mr. March) in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. We become privy to Mr. March’s past when he starts out as a peddler, then an idealistic preacher where he meets and later supports his wife Marmee‘s contributions to the Underground Railroad. Eventually, Mr. March enlists in the Civil War at the age of thirty-nine and serves as a chaplain. When he is caught in a compromising position with a black slave, he is transferred to a teaching position on a cotton plantation. It is here that Mr. March’s idealism is challenged as he sees the injustices of slavery, the cruelty and racism of soldiers from both the North and South, and suffers the trauma of a gruesome war. The harsh plight of the slaves does not change with their ’freedom‘. Highly recommended for war fiction fans and a must read if one of your favorite books was Little Women.
Discussion
-This book is very well written and researched, we chose this book since we had all enjoyed the author’s previous novel: People of the Book. The author painted a very realistic picture of Civil War times, we were surprised however, that this book won the Pulitzer prize - we felt that People of the Book might have been a better candidate.
-Mr. March was portrayed as a much weaker person than his character in Little Women.
-The plot was slow to develop in the beginning, making it at times a slow read.
-The miscommunications, caused by misinterpreted actions in their marriage during the Civil War is not much different than the miscommunications couples face today.
-We enjoyed how famous people of the time were woven into the story such as: John Brown, Ralph Waldo Everson, and Henry David Thoreau.
-It was noted that Mr. March’s vegetarian diet must have been difficult to maintain during that era.
Summary
This Pulitzer prize winning novel is an interpretation of the life of the absentee father (Mr. March) in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. We become privy to Mr. March’s past when he starts out as a peddler, then an idealistic preacher where he meets and later supports his wife Marmee‘s contributions to the Underground Railroad. Eventually, Mr. March enlists in the Civil War at the age of thirty-nine and serves as a chaplain. When he is caught in a compromising position with a black slave, he is transferred to a teaching position on a cotton plantation. It is here that Mr. March’s idealism is challenged as he sees the injustices of slavery, the cruelty and racism of soldiers from both the North and South, and suffers the trauma of a gruesome war. The harsh plight of the slaves does not change with their ’freedom‘. Highly recommended for war fiction fans and a must read if one of your favorite books was Little Women.
Discussion
-This book is very well written and researched, we chose this book since we had all enjoyed the author’s previous novel: People of the Book. The author painted a very realistic picture of Civil War times, we were surprised however, that this book won the Pulitzer prize - we felt that People of the Book might have been a better candidate.
-Mr. March was portrayed as a much weaker person than his character in Little Women.
-The plot was slow to develop in the beginning, making it at times a slow read.
-The miscommunications, caused by misinterpreted actions in their marriage during the Civil War is not much different than the miscommunications couples face today.
-We enjoyed how famous people of the time were woven into the story such as: John Brown, Ralph Waldo Everson, and Henry David Thoreau.
-It was noted that Mr. March’s vegetarian diet must have been difficult to maintain during that era.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
For a super easy Fall dessert combine 1 box spice cake mix, 1 can pumpkin, 1 cup chopped walnuts and/or 1 cup raisins. Mix all together, drop by large rounded spoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Frost with cream cheese icing.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Room by Emma Donoghue
Summary
This is a story told from the perspective of five year old Jack who lives in captivity with his mother. They have been held captive in a room that measures only eleven feet by eleven feet for years by a man the boy refers to as Old Nick. Jack’s mother does her best to survive and entertain her son while Jack is into the things five year old boys are normally into, such as books and games. This room and his Ma are the only things Jack has known his entire life so for him, this is normal, even the regular visits between scary Old Nick and his mother at night. The author does a good job of creating a world for a five year old where everything is balanced and controlled, where he misses nothing, because he knows of nothing outside his room. Other plot points are explored when the reader learns what happens to Jack and Ma. This book was short listed for the Man Booker prize.
Discussion
-For the most part, we all enjoyed the book, at times it became suspenseful and was a real page turner.
-The mother’s continued nursing of the five year old boy was brought up perhaps a bit too much throughout the story, at times it could make the reader feel uncomfortable.
-The voice of the five year old was occasionally just a five year old but at times, seemed to freely use words that five year olds typically don’t know.
-It was interesting that there is a branch of psychology that deals with persons who have been held captive.
Menu
Salmon w/cream cheese spread on crackers
Deviled Eggs
Salad
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Red Chicken
Cherries
Salmon with Cream Cheese Spread on Crackers
Ingredients
-½ cup cream cheese spread
-1 tbsp chives
-1 tbsp dill
-1 ½ tsp milk
-½ tsp orange zest (can sub orange juice)
-crackers
-1 package thinly sliced salmon cut into 24 strips
Mix first five ingredients until blended. Place about one tablespoon mixture onto each cracker. Roll each salmon strip up into cone shape and place on top of cream cheese mixture.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
May 2011 Host: Stephanie
(I cannot locate this pictures for this book club date so I am posting the summary and the one recipe that I have, if I find the pictures, I will add them.)
The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli
Summary
This story takes you to war torn Vietnam during the 1960s and 1970s and is told through the viewpoints of three photojournalists, Helen who wants to prove herself in a male dominated profession, Sam a seasoned Pulitzer prize winner and Helen‘s mentor, and Linh, their Vietnamese assistant. Helen often feels shame for immortalizing the war but continues to try and gain an understanding of her brother’s recent death in combat. Like the Lotus eaters in Homers’ Odyssey who become obsessed, possessed, and addicted by the Lotus plants, she becomes intoxicated, with the Vietnamese culture and the pull of the war on her is as addictive as any drug. Her obsession with war surpasses the horrors human cruelties of the war. The author explores the emotional and physical effects of the war on all sides, which is oftentimes sad and brutal.
Discussion
-Helen’s sexuality plays a major role in the novel (humanizes the participants).
-This is a war novel written through a female emotional eye.
-Linh exhibited dignity and kindness throughout, even though he endured even after unimaginable losses.
-We are reminded of how different US soldiers have been received by their country throughout the decades, Vietnam soldiers were heavily protested.
Frito Corn Salad
1 green or orange bell pepper (chopped)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup red onion (chopped)
2 cans regular corn
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 bag chili cheese fritos
Mix all together except chili cheese fritos. Add chili cheese fritos before serving.
(I cannot locate this pictures for this book club date so I am posting the summary and the one recipe that I have, if I find the pictures, I will add them.)
The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli
Summary
This story takes you to war torn Vietnam during the 1960s and 1970s and is told through the viewpoints of three photojournalists, Helen who wants to prove herself in a male dominated profession, Sam a seasoned Pulitzer prize winner and Helen‘s mentor, and Linh, their Vietnamese assistant. Helen often feels shame for immortalizing the war but continues to try and gain an understanding of her brother’s recent death in combat. Like the Lotus eaters in Homers’ Odyssey who become obsessed, possessed, and addicted by the Lotus plants, she becomes intoxicated, with the Vietnamese culture and the pull of the war on her is as addictive as any drug. Her obsession with war surpasses the horrors human cruelties of the war. The author explores the emotional and physical effects of the war on all sides, which is oftentimes sad and brutal.
Discussion
-Helen’s sexuality plays a major role in the novel (humanizes the participants).
-This is a war novel written through a female emotional eye.
-Linh exhibited dignity and kindness throughout, even though he endured even after unimaginable losses.
-We are reminded of how different US soldiers have been received by their country throughout the decades, Vietnam soldiers were heavily protested.
Frito Corn Salad
1 green or orange bell pepper (chopped)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup red onion (chopped)
2 cans regular corn
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 bag chili cheese fritos
Mix all together except chili cheese fritos. Add chili cheese fritos before serving.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Summary
This novel is set in 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi at the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. Skeeter, a young wannabe journalist, has just graduated from college and moves back home where her family and friends insist that her finding a husband is all that matters. She becomes intrigued by the lives of black maids, partly due to the disappearance of the one who all but raised her. She begins to enlist the help of her friends’ maids to write a book about themselves from their perspective. Skeeter is forced to interview the maids in secret, although that still puts her and them in danger as blacks are beaten or murdered by white men for various insolences - and if they are caught - the same could happen to them. The maids cooperate (even though they are terrified to do so) as it is the first time they have had a voice in anything. The book describes how hard the maids worked and how frequently they existed in a life or death environment. Not only were their jobs to cook and clean, often the maids raised the white women’s children - oftentimes the white children loved their black nanny more than their own mother
Summary
This novel is set in 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi at the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. Skeeter, a young wannabe journalist, has just graduated from college and moves back home where her family and friends insist that her finding a husband is all that matters. She becomes intrigued by the lives of black maids, partly due to the disappearance of the one who all but raised her. She begins to enlist the help of her friends’ maids to write a book about themselves from their perspective. Skeeter is forced to interview the maids in secret, although that still puts her and them in danger as blacks are beaten or murdered by white men for various insolences - and if they are caught - the same could happen to them. The maids cooperate (even though they are terrified to do so) as it is the first time they have had a voice in anything. The book describes how hard the maids worked and how frequently they existed in a life or death environment. Not only were their jobs to cook and clean, often the maids raised the white women’s children - oftentimes the white children loved their black nanny more than their own mother
Discussion
-We all really enjoyed this novel and the perspective it gave us on the white women and their relationships with their black maids in the early 1960s in the South. This was a time where the white families didn’t know any different, this was their way of life and how they themselves were raised.
-It was unimaginable to us the fear that blacks often felt when doing something that might not be acceptable to their white employers such as using the bathroom inside the house rather than using the bathroom built for the black help outside the house. “The help” basically lived in a regime of fear. It was not uncommon for the white women to use threats and lies to secure and exercise power over their black maids. Being employed was an absolute necessity for all black men and women during this time and era as they were paid very little and it took both parents’ incomes to raise a family in what they often lived in - nothing more than a shack with partial dirt flooring.
-The author did a wonderful job developing the various personalities of the maids. Aibleen who writes prayers to God eventually becomes the impetus for the book getting written, and Minnie, who has a difficult time keeping jobs because of her funny but blunt comments to her white employers, are just two of the many fascinating characters in this book.
-There were some issues that we felt were not closed - such as whatever happened to the main character when she moved to New York and whether or not the maids ever made enough money from the book to break out of the never ending cycle of them becoming maids.
-We all really enjoyed this novel and the perspective it gave us on the white women and their relationships with their black maids in the early 1960s in the South. This was a time where the white families didn’t know any different, this was their way of life and how they themselves were raised.
-It was unimaginable to us the fear that blacks often felt when doing something that might not be acceptable to their white employers such as using the bathroom inside the house rather than using the bathroom built for the black help outside the house. “The help” basically lived in a regime of fear. It was not uncommon for the white women to use threats and lies to secure and exercise power over their black maids. Being employed was an absolute necessity for all black men and women during this time and era as they were paid very little and it took both parents’ incomes to raise a family in what they often lived in - nothing more than a shack with partial dirt flooring.
-The author did a wonderful job developing the various personalities of the maids. Aibleen who writes prayers to God eventually becomes the impetus for the book getting written, and Minnie, who has a difficult time keeping jobs because of her funny but blunt comments to her white employers, are just two of the many fascinating characters in this book.
-There were some issues that we felt were not closed - such as whatever happened to the main character when she moved to New York and whether or not the maids ever made enough money from the book to break out of the never ending cycle of them becoming maids.
Ingredients
-1 cup sour cream
-1 cup real mayonnaise
-1 tablespoon grated onion
-1 tablespoon (or more to taste) dill weed
-1 tablespoon parsley flakes
-1 tablespoon Beau Monde seasoning
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least two to three hours. This dip can be served with vegetables, crackers, or chips.
-1 cup sour cream
-1 cup real mayonnaise
-1 tablespoon grated onion
-1 tablespoon (or more to taste) dill weed
-1 tablespoon parsley flakes
-1 tablespoon Beau Monde seasoning
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least two to three hours. This dip can be served with vegetables, crackers, or chips.
Drain and dry desired number of cans of chickpeas. Mix about two tablespoons olive oil with your favorite seasonings such as garlic and salt or a mixture of Indian spices in a one quart freezer bag. Coat chickpeas and lay in a single layer on a pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour or until crisp on the outside.
Friday, February 18, 2011
January 2011 Host: Colleen
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Summary
This is the epic and complex story of combined twins fathered by a talented British surgeon and an Indian nun. The twins are raised by a surrogate family in a missionary hospital in Ethiopia. The story is narrated by one of the twins, Marion, who eventually becomes a surgeon. He describes how he and his brother were loved and were raised amongst the sick and those who cared for the sick. Ever present is Ethiopian political turmoil, which eventually forces Marion to flee the country. His path takes him to a ‘rough’ hospital in the Bronx in New York City. We are privy to the culture shock he feels and what it is like to arrive in a huge modern city from Africa and the ever present longing for home, family, and culture. This is a multi-generational family saga that jumps from Africa, India, Europe, and the United States. The story also includes a huge does of medical science, often graphic, but very interesting.
Discussion
-May not be for the squeamish as some of the surgeries performed are quite detailed. This book is also heavy on medical jargon.
-Stresses importance of family and how one good or bad decision can change your life forever.
-Good descriptions of Ethiopia’s culture and politics. This was a beautifully written and well researched book.
-He also touches on the plight of Indian doctors in the U.S. being treated as second class citizens even as they treat second class citizens.
-The author manages to incorporate his own belief that patients are people first, medical condition, second
-The boys’ father’s character is based on Dr. Thomas Starzl. He performed the first liver transplant in Denver, Colorado.
Menu
Grilled Eggplant Slices with Yogurt Sauce
Indian Potatoes and Peas Salad
Curried Chicken Rice Soup from Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Magazine
Chicken Tikka Masala
Better Than Sex Cake
Grilled Eggplant Slices with Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
Marinade
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp Tabasco (can substitue 1/8 tsp of cayenne like I did since I didn't have Tabasco)
2 tbsp finely chopped, peeled fresh ginger
1 tbsp ground cumin seeds
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
4 tbsp tomato juice (canned will do) or chopped up tomatoes
4 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbps olive or canola oil
also need:
one large, 1 1/4 pound eggplant
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
4-5 leaves fresh mint, finely chopped
1/2 c plain yogurt
Put all ingredients for the marinade into blender/food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into large bowl. Cut eggplant crossways into 1/2 inch think round slices and add to the bowl w/ marinade. Toss to coat with marinade. Cover and refigerate overnight, turning the eggplant pieces over a few times whenever it's convenient. Heat the broiler, lift the slices out of the bowl, leaving a light coating of the marinade on them, and lay in single layer in broiling tray. Broil 4-5 inches from the heat for 7-8 minutes a side, moving the slices around so they brown evenly.
Add the salt, cayenne and mint to the yogurt and mix. When serving, put a dollop of yogurt on top of each eggplant slice.
Curried Chicken Rice Soup
from Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Magazine
Ingredients
1/4 c butter, cubed
2 large carrots, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3/4 c plus 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp curry powder
2 cans (12 oz each) fat-free evaporated milk
1 c half and half cream
4 1/2 c chicken broth
2 c cooked rice
In a Dutch oven, melt butter. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for two minutes. Sprinkle with flour, stir until blended. Stir in seasoned salt and curry. Gradually add milk and cream. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Gradually add broth. Stir in chicken and rice, return to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 10 min or until vegetables are tender.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Marinade
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
3 teaspoons garam masala OR 2 teaspoons ground cumin plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon or lime juice, garam masala, cayenne pepper, black pepper, ginger, and salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for six to twenty four hours. When ready to prepare dish, cook chicken at 325 degrees for one hour covered and then uncover and cook an additional 20-30 minutes or until browned slightly. Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 1½ teaspoons salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve over basmati rice.
Note: Chicken may also be threaded onto skewers and grilled about five minutes per side or until juices run clear.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Summary
This is a work of fiction inspired by the true story of the Hebrew codex known as the Sarajevo Haggadah. In 1996, a thirty year old Australian rare book expert, Dr. Hanna Heath, is hired to examine a fifteenth century haggadah (a book used by Jewish families during the seder that tells the story of the exodus from Egypt) which was created in medieval Spain. The manuscript is lavishly illustrated, ironically at a time when Jewish beliefs were against such illustrations. As Hanna unravels the history of the haggadah, the reader is transported back in time: 1940 Sarajevo, 1894 Vienna, 1609 Venice, and 1480 Seville. In each of these time periods there is a historical conflict between a person protecting the book and those wanting to defile or destroy the book. In the present, Hanna discovers clues in the form of a wine stain, missing clasps, a drop of salt, etc., which helps in tracing the history of the haggadah which she also learns has survived overwhelming odds. She becomes romantically involved with the savior of the haggadah - a Muslim librarian - which is her first meaningful relationship. The journey of this book helps Hanna find out more about herself as well as truths she never knew existed. Geraldine Brooks is the Pulitzer Prize winning author of March.
Discussion
-We all enjoyed this book (about a book) and how well researched it was, not only the various time periods and the events and politics that took place during those time periods, but also the knowledge the author imparts about manuscript preservation.
-Hanna and her mother have a very unusual relationship. They are both very intelligent, successful, and strong women, yet they continually spurn and antagonize each other. The mother is a highly respected neurosurgeon who belittles Hannah’s work.
-The book demonstrates how powerful a mentor in both academia and in professional matters can be.
-Themes of anti Catholicism run throughout the story and we are reminded of how anti-Semitism was practiced even centuries ago. We are also reminded of the many eras throughout history where Jews, Muslims, and Christians coexisted peacefully.
Summary
This is a work of fiction inspired by the true story of the Hebrew codex known as the Sarajevo Haggadah. In 1996, a thirty year old Australian rare book expert, Dr. Hanna Heath, is hired to examine a fifteenth century haggadah (a book used by Jewish families during the seder that tells the story of the exodus from Egypt) which was created in medieval Spain. The manuscript is lavishly illustrated, ironically at a time when Jewish beliefs were against such illustrations. As Hanna unravels the history of the haggadah, the reader is transported back in time: 1940 Sarajevo, 1894 Vienna, 1609 Venice, and 1480 Seville. In each of these time periods there is a historical conflict between a person protecting the book and those wanting to defile or destroy the book. In the present, Hanna discovers clues in the form of a wine stain, missing clasps, a drop of salt, etc., which helps in tracing the history of the haggadah which she also learns has survived overwhelming odds. She becomes romantically involved with the savior of the haggadah - a Muslim librarian - which is her first meaningful relationship. The journey of this book helps Hanna find out more about herself as well as truths she never knew existed. Geraldine Brooks is the Pulitzer Prize winning author of March.
Discussion
-We all enjoyed this book (about a book) and how well researched it was, not only the various time periods and the events and politics that took place during those time periods, but also the knowledge the author imparts about manuscript preservation.
-Hanna and her mother have a very unusual relationship. They are both very intelligent, successful, and strong women, yet they continually spurn and antagonize each other. The mother is a highly respected neurosurgeon who belittles Hannah’s work.
-The book demonstrates how powerful a mentor in both academia and in professional matters can be.
-Themes of anti Catholicism run throughout the story and we are reminded of how anti-Semitism was practiced even centuries ago. We are also reminded of the many eras throughout history where Jews, Muslims, and Christians coexisted peacefully.
Ingredients
*1 (16 oz.) can fruit cocktail, drained
*1 (16 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
*1 (16 oz) cottage cheese
*1 (8 oz) sour cream
*1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed
*1 small bag miniature marshmallows
*½ cup coconut
*1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
Mix together and refrigerate. Keeps well for several days.
*1 (16 oz.) can fruit cocktail, drained
*1 (16 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
*1 (16 oz) cottage cheese
*1 (8 oz) sour cream
*1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cubed
*1 small bag miniature marshmallows
*½ cup coconut
*1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
Mix together and refrigerate. Keeps well for several days.
Original Recipe Yield 12 small muffins
Ingredients
*3/4 cup white sugar
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*2 eggs
*3/4 cup canned pumpkin
*1/4 cup water
*1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
*3/4 teaspoon baking powder
*1/2 teaspoon baking soda
*1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
*1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease and flour muffin pan or use paper liners.
2. Mix sugar, oil, eggs. Add pumpkin and water. In separate bowl mix together the baking flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt.. Add wet mixture and stir in chocolate chips.
3. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Ingredients
*3/4 cup white sugar
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*2 eggs
*3/4 cup canned pumpkin
*1/4 cup water
*1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
*3/4 teaspoon baking powder
*1/2 teaspoon baking soda
*1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
*1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease and flour muffin pan or use paper liners.
2. Mix sugar, oil, eggs. Add pumpkin and water. In separate bowl mix together the baking flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt.. Add wet mixture and stir in chocolate chips.
3. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Ingredients
* 12 slices of white bread, thinly buttered
* ¾ lb grated sharp cheddar cheese
* Meat (your choice):
* 2 cups of cubed ham
* 1 lb crumbled bacon
* 1lb prepared sausage
* 6 eggs beaten slightly
* 3 ¼ cups of milk
* 2 Tbsps minced onion
* ½ tsp salt
* ¼ tsp dry mustard
1. Trim crusts from the bread and cut into cubes. Arrange these in a 9x13” pan. Top with cheese and your choice of the meats.
2. Combine the eggs, milk, and seasonings and pour mixture over the bread and meat.
3. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
4. Bake the next day, uncovered, at 325 for 55 minutes.
Note: If I am short on time, I don’t always butter the bread. Try it both ways and see which you like better.
* 12 slices of white bread, thinly buttered
* ¾ lb grated sharp cheddar cheese
* Meat (your choice):
* 2 cups of cubed ham
* 1 lb crumbled bacon
* 1lb prepared sausage
* 6 eggs beaten slightly
* 3 ¼ cups of milk
* 2 Tbsps minced onion
* ½ tsp salt
* ¼ tsp dry mustard
1. Trim crusts from the bread and cut into cubes. Arrange these in a 9x13” pan. Top with cheese and your choice of the meats.
2. Combine the eggs, milk, and seasonings and pour mixture over the bread and meat.
3. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
4. Bake the next day, uncovered, at 325 for 55 minutes.
Note: If I am short on time, I don’t always butter the bread. Try it both ways and see which you like better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)