saturday SPLURGE breakfast...

enjoyed on this beautiful, blustery MONDAY!

we were out and about all weekend, which left me here, on this monday morning with a messy house, backed-up laundry and a craving for a hot {sweet} breakfast.

G and i were both up with our angel-faced early riser around 7. i made coffee and asked him if he wanted (my all-time favorite go-to hot breakfast item) pancakes.

he said "na. BUT, babe, the cook offshore (from New Orleans) made this awesome stuffed french toast with cream cheese and raspberry jelly...oh man, you should make that!"

i quickly did the mental ingredient check in my mind (eggs, check, milk, check, bread, check, cream cheese, check, raspberry jam, check!)

i reached deep into my virtual cookbook (google) and found the perfect recipe.

Raspberry & Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast:

Ingredients

• 8 slices oatnut bread
• 1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
• 5 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 tablespoon butter

my modifications were: honey wheat bread instead of oatnut, vanilla SOY milk instead of regular milk (which we don't drink), 1 teaspoon of VANILLA extract instead of almond extract and of course, i sprinkled some cinnamon in the batter for good measure.

Directions

1. Spread 4 slices oatnut bread on one side with cream cheese. Spread remaining 4 slices on one side with raspberry jam. Press cream cheese slices together with jam slices, forming sandwiches.

2. In a medium, shallow bowl, beat together the eggs, milk and almond extract.

3. Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium high heat. Dip sandwiches in the egg mixture to coat. Place in the skillet, and cook on both sides until golden brown.

 perfectly paired with {strong} brewed Starbucks Pike Place roast.

 delicious alone, or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and drizzle of maple syrup!

yep, it's extra cardio for me tonight, but it was worth EVERY flavor-filled bite.

 Kai enjoyed his breakfast, too (mashed banana, then bottle).

he loves to touch our face while he eats, it's a comfort thing for him, i think.

{love}

now he's down for his morning nap, and it's dishes, laundry and bathroom-cleanin' time for me!

{praying to hear some good news this week regarding my interview last week

AND

for G's work to pick up!}

but regardless of work, phone calls and paychecks

i am constantly reminded that

we are in good hands.

HIS hands.

so i am {choosing} joy.

it's gonna be a good week.