The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
3/11/2013 column
We all need alone time to recharge, reconnect and rejuvenate either as an individual or a couple. W all need a little bit of alone time.
As dairy farmers, I think we need to work on our definition of Alone Time.
Alone time does not mean in the barn by our self clipping cattle of their winter coats. Yes we are alone for a long period of time, but not quite what I was thinking.
As our workforce moves on to college and a high school social life, Mark and I are finding more alone time together as a couple at night. Of course I don’t consider exhausted on the couch and recliner as quality couple alone time.
This recipe is where fruit cobblers and caramel rolls collide. You put it together the night before and throw it in the oven to bake the next morning. I’ve taken this over to dairy families who are in a morning rush with family events and don’t have time to make much for breakfast. The only hard part is flipping it out of the baking pan. I use a flat cookie sheet lined with wax paper for easier clean up.
6 large eggs
1 c. milk
2/3 c. fruit juice (apple or orange for a kick)
1 TBSP vanilla extract
1 TBSP cinnamon
Pinch ground nutmeg
Pinch salt
6 c. stale bread cut into cubes
½ c. melted butter (1 stick)
¾ c. brown sugar
2 c. fruits (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pineapple)
In large bowl, stir together eggs, milk, juice, vanilla, spices and salt until blended. Add the bread cubes and toss to coat. Let stand 30 minutes until bread absorbs moisture.
Lightly butter 9 x 13 pan. Add melted butter to pan and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over butter. Arrange fruits over sugar. Place bread mixture on top. Press down gently. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover and bake for about 45 minutes or until cooked through. Invert to serve on platter or flat cookie sheet. Cut into rectangles. Makes 8 servings
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*As their 4 children pursue dairy careers off the farm, Natalie and Mark are starting a new adventure of milking registered Holsteins just because they like good cows on their Minnesota farm. Natalie grew up in Stronghurst, daughter of Becky and the late Larry Dowell.
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