Wake-Up-Call Special

If you're anything like me (or desire to be), mornings are completely meditative.  It's the only time in the day that is solely mine.  I like my mornings to linger, and I wake up early so that they can.  The hubs sleeps in later than I do, but Maddox the mad-dog and I are up together and we make the most of some quiet time before we seize our day.  We wake, we walk, we shower, we grab our cup-o-joe and settle into the morning news with breakfast.

If anyone comes between me and my mornings, I'm not a happy camper. 

Because mornings are special, I always think that my breakfasts should be as well.  There's something about sitting down to a nice breakfast before you take on your day that puts you in a better mood and starts you off on the right foot. 

No time for special breakfasts you say?  NONSENSE!  I'm not suggesting you make pancakes, or eggs benedict every morning (although, if you do, can we please talk-I'll be visiting immediately!), but you can prepare a few little things that put a smile on your face, fill your tummy and make you feel as if you've already won the day. 

My individual breakfast casseroles are just that ticket.  Not only do I love them for their simplicity, but I love them for their ability to be customized, jazzed up, or as simple as the basic recipe I'm about to share.  One of my favorite things to do when we have overnight guests is take evening orders; make these bad-boys up, stick them in the refrigerator and in the morning, pop them in the oven before my guests wake.  When they do; they have an prepared-to-order breakfast that is sure to put a smile on their face.  (what's that you say, you're ready to come stay with me now?)

Wake-Up-Call-Special

Basic Ingredients: (serves 4 individual pots)

4 eggs

1 can of cream of potato soup (you can sub cream of celery, chicken or mushroom to taste, but I find potato is a good base that everyone likes)

4 slices of bread (I use whatever I have left in my kitchen, this works well with ANY bread type; even leftover hamburger/hotdog buns!)

3 Tbs whole milk

1 cup shredded cheese (I use a parmesan/reggiano mix; but you can sub cheddar or any easily-melted cheese you have)

1 tsp garlic salt

1 small scallion, finely diced

salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together, whisk for about 2 minutes.  (Yes, it's that easy!)  Prepare 4 individual ramekins (6 oz) or small crock-pots (shown in picture) and pour mixture evenly into it.  Sprinkle a bit of cheese on the top of each.  If using bakeware with lid, place lid on.  If using bakeware without a lid, place a piece of loosely fitted foil on top to prevent the cheese from burning.

Place all pots on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Remove lids/foil and return to oven for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown.  Remove from oven and serve with fresh fruit & a big glass or orange juice! 

Spice Up The Base!  (my suggestions on what to add--be creative!)

Finely diced onions

Breakfast sausage (brown the meat first, crumble into mixture before baking)

Bacon (cook before, crumble into mixture)

Finely diced tomatoes

Corn

Onions

Mushrooms

Pinenuts (yes!)

Blue Cheese