For the Love of Cooking {Pumpkin French Toast}

As you know from past posts, I'm officially over summer and in full

fall mode!  So when I stumbled across this greatness of Pumpkin French Toast, 

I'm busting out into my happy dance and sharing with my faves!

 What I love about this recipe is the total simplicity of the dish

yet it's major ability to win over the crowd!

What you'll need!

1 loaf (1 pound) cinnamon-raisin bread
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
8 large eggs
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup fat-free milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Confectioner's sugar, optional
Maple syrup, warmed, optional

I personally would like to see a warm glaze over this yummy instead of syrup.

If you are like me, then grab these items too!

2 Tablespoon cream cheese, softened
 1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon milk

The How To's!

Cut each slice of bread into quarters. 
Arrange half of the bread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; layer with cubed 
cream cheese and remaining bread, pressing down slightly. 

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, evaporated milk, pumpkin, 

brown sugar, fat-free milk, spices and salt.  Pour over top. 

Refrigerate, covered, overnight.  

Preheat oven to 350°. Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven heats. 

Bake, covered, 40 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with pecans.

Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned and a knife inserted 

near the center comes out clean.

Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. 

If desired, dust with confectioner's sugar and serve with maple syrup. 

But, if you are a glazer like me,

 Hand mix together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk!

Pour over and indulge!!

recipe adapted from taste of home

Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

First, I want to apologize for going MIA on yall at the end of last week, but I had a top secret 

60^th SURPRISE PARTY I was working to pull off for our amazing, sweet, loving, 

caring, wonderful Sweet Mama.   

AND WE DID IT!! She was completely surprised, over the moon excited, 

and showered with lots of love from friends and family!

It was perfect!  

 

 

I have to say I cannot stop beating myself up over the fact I did not snap not ONE single picture

of the outdoor decor!! But, since you can't see it I will let you know it was gorgeous navy linens

with  vintage white vases to show off the varied colorful flower arrangements.

Each place setting had a special card about Sweet Mama and the year she was born.

We also had a "Memory Jar" for all the guest to share their favorite memories with Mama.

I honestly think this was one of her favorite parts as she said 

"we have to do this at every birthday from here on out" haha! 

Thank you Mama for being YOU and for loving all of us unconditionally and showing

us the special grace of a mother! We love you more than words and hope you know 

how much we appreciate you and all that you do!  

And with that said... your quote of the week!

Show + Tell {Turkish T}

For a few months now I have been drooling over Turkish-T and all the warm and 

cozy that the collection brings! From the most gorge towels, 

to the beach lovers poncho, to the home décor…

I’m in love! And did I mention they a have super presh baby line that will 

seriously have your heart going pitter-patter.   

Here is a quick glimpse at some of my faves but make sure to check out  

the complete collection!  

 

 

Quote of the Week {Weekend Wrap Up}

This weekend was super laid back!   

Friday night we took in some fireworks! 

From the comfort of our car in clothes so comfy they could

classify as pajamas! Total perfection!  

 Saturday we ran errands and hung out with 

Mama Gaither while Daddy Gaither was out of town.  

Saturday night, we ordered takeout!  YES!  

Sunday, Sweet Mama cooked dinner for the family and we wrapped the

 weekend with chores around the house! AND that was IT! 

Some might say, boring! I say ah…finally relaxation! 

What did you do this weekend?!

I hope you had some low key time too!

 This week for our quote of the week

I decided to go back to my very first Pinterest "Words of Wisdom" Pin!

I was so tickled to find this one! 

It was and still is a TOTAL fave of mine!