General Conference 2011

Ahhh, another enjoyable Conference weekend. We started off with a yummy breakfast of coconut, pecan, and cornflake encrusted french toast (we altered the name because we did not use macadamia nuts like the original recipe calls for.) Brittany was the first to discover the recipe on this blog, and when she brought us over a couple of slices the other morning I knew I had to try my hand at it. Deeeeeee-licious. Thanks Brittany.

Coconut, Macadamia, and Cornflake Encrusted French Toast

1/2 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup cornflakes
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1 tsp cinnamon, divided
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 Tbsp butter, divided
4 slices bread
Pure maple syrup for serving
Diced fruit for serving (peaches, bananas, apples, berries etc.)

In the bowl of a food processor, add the macadamia nuts. Pulse until nuts are chopped. Add the cornflakes and pulse until cornflakes are barely broken down. Pour mixture into a shallow dish and add coconut and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Mix until combined.

In a small bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Whisk until well combined. Or blended in a blender or with an immersion blender. Pour egg mixture into another shallow dish and set aside.

In a medium skillet over medium low heat, add 1 Tbsp butter. Dip 1 piece of bread in the egg mixture and then into the cornflake mixture, pressing the cornflakes so they will adhere. Once the butter is melted in the pan, add the bread. Cook on both sides for about 2 minutes, or until the crust is browned. Remove from pan and repeat with the other bread slices and butter. Wipe out pan between batches if necessary.

Serve with syrup and diced fruit on top.

We used Trader Joe's Brioche bread. At around $4.00 a loaf it's a little pricey, but the bread makes all the difference... so fluffy and sweet.
Dip, coat, fry, repeat.
Rachel enjoying her french toast.
I don't know why they're both smiling in this picture, but it is so cute. I have to give Jacob credit for capturing this shot.
Ashlee kept notes in her journal during conference.
I always look forward to and appreciate the words of the prophet and apostles to help set us on the right track every six months. I think my favorite talk from today was the second one from the morning session, in which the speaker related our growth to the trials we experience in life. Specifically, he said, "If we do not climb the mountain, we do not see the views." He also referred to a mother experiencing the pains of labor just prior to the miraculous birth of her child. This has always been the way I learn, and this talk really resonated with me. It is through the challenge that we learn and grow. I hope everyone enjoyed their conference weekend.