Mini Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casseroles

Mini Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casseroles

mini baked french toast

I know I’ve said it before, but I’m really not big on breakfast. I mean, I love it… but I love sleep more. I’d rather spend an extra 10 minutes in bed and grab a yogurt or a muffin to eat at my desk than make myself some toast or an egg.

I wasn’t planning on posting a breakfast – or a baked good – again so soon, but I made these mini apple cinnamon french toast casseroles on Sunday and I couldn’t wait to share them. I’ve been eating them for breakfast all week – all they need are 30 seconds in the microwave! The maple syrup is baked right in, so you don’t need to top them with anything extra. (Although a little cream poured over top? Heaven.)

Maple Oat Pecan Scones 2

Maple Oat Pecan Scones

If there’s one thing I’ve been more obsessed with than brussels sprouts lately, it’s maple. It all started with a drive to Vermont to take in the foliage. Along the way, we stopped at one of our favorite chocolate shops, and I picked up a small package of maple shortbread cookies and the most adorable little jug of syrup I’ve ever seen. Since then, it’s pretty much been all maple all the time.

When it came time to pick a recipe to make for this month’s secret recipe club, I crossed my fingers and hoped to find something maple-y. Success! These maple pecan scones from Baking & Creating with Avril fit the bill perfectly, and they’re delicious to boot!

Oatmeal Cookies with Whiskey-Soaked Cherries 3

Oatmeal Cookies with Whiskey-Soaked Cherries

Soft, chewy oatmeal cookies studded with chocolate chips and dried cherries re-plumped with whiskey… what more is there to say?!

These are, hands down, my new favorite cookies. I generally hate whiskey (it tastes like pencils), but butter and brown sugar mellow out the flavor, leaving these cookies with a complex, butterscotch-like flavor that’s perfectly balanced by sour cherries and sweet chocolate. A touch of coconut* helps keep them soft, and I think they have an even better flavor the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld.

Earl Grey Banana Bread 4

Earl Grey Banana Bread

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