"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31
Mornings are my time. I think better, I am more positive in my emotions and I often see the day ahead with possibilities. I have been known to irritate other sleepier types. Maybe it is because I always have a cup of something warm steaming in my hand and the house is quiet for at least a few moments before someone arouses me--so I can actually think a few thoughts all by myself. The aroma of a hot cup of tea in hand as I watch the sun rise, fills my heart with joy and rejuvenates my soul. We don't have any curtains on our 2nd floor bedroom window, and so I turn towards the window each morning early to see if I will have a "pink" sunrise. When I see the color strewn across the sky, I take it as God personally saying hello to me and welcoming me into my day. The cold Colorado winter days provide great colors for the early morning rise--pinks, corals, purples, gold. I picture God painting the sky with His palette and brush.
Now, even in the midst of the chaos and many rustling bodies and voices, when my children come home, it is truly magnificent when all of them are home at the same time (now that they are all so busy pursuing their unique dreams and passions that God has placed on their hearts). Hearing the sound of the girls padding down the stairs or the boys coming up from their basement bedrooms, gives me pleasure to think of sharing hearts over breakfast together. Everyone wakes up and gravitates toward the kitchen--it brings lots of noise but for my mama heart, it is truly is a joyful noise.
The kitchen truly is a place that is filled with joyful noise: the cracking of an egg, the whistling of a tea kettle, the sizzling on the skillet, and the conversations, laughter, teasing and lives that our poured into over the minutes, and sometimes hours, spent cultivating beautiful meals and munching together. God has entrusted us as mothers to create a haven that is interesting and filled with beauty, smells, tastes and sounds--and we can use all of the senses (through cooking delicious meals) to captivate the ones we love.
Even during the busiest of mornings, followed by a day filled with things to accomplish, you can get off to a great start by making a scrumptious breakfast that won't eat up all of your precious time. French toast is definitely a family favorite in our home (especially with Nathan), and this recipe is not only delicious, but it is simple and not time consuming. Once, Sarah said she believed in God because of my French toast and hot, real, maple syrup! Here is my recipe and it is so easy!
Ingredients: 8 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoon sugar 8 slices bread of your choice, (I prefer my homemade.) 1/4 cup milk Toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, toasted pecans, real maple syrup heated up, butter, sliced strawberries (optional), sliced almonds (optional) 1 large cup of joyful noise (don't go looking for this in the grocery aisles-find it in the laughter of your children.)
Instructions: -In a wide, shallow bowl, break the eggs and beat lightly. Add your milk, sugar, and cinnamon, and begin to stir. -Place a thin layer of butter(or coconut oil!) in your skillet and heat over medium-low heat. -Dip your bread in the mixture, evenly coating both sides (I like to carefully take a fork and poke tiny holes in the slices of bread while they are soaked in the mixture. This will allow them to breath and get fluffy without burning). -Place the bread on your skillet or griddle until lightly browned on both sides. -Serve with joyful noise, powdered sugar, butter, syrup, sliced strawberries, and sliced almonds. ***To save time, and stress for family members who enjoy their toppings differently, leave your toppings out in bowls and allow each loved one to decorate their own french toast.
And everyone thinks I am an amazing cook--and it is one of the simplest hot breakfasts I serve!
Try making this recipe for your loved ones this weekend, and don't forget the joyful noise! What are some of the family favorite breakfasts in your home?