Holiday French Toast

I've had this recipe so long that I can't remember where I got it. I also only made it for the first time this week. I don't know what took me so long! It's a relatively easy recipe and can be made the night before. The best thing is how wonderful the house smells while it bakes!

1 c brown sugar
1/2 c butter, melted
3 tsp ground cinnamon (divided 2 tsp, 1 tsp)
3 tart apples (Granny Smith), peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 c dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 1 inch slices
6 large eggs
1 1/2 c milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Combine brown sugar, butter and 1 tsp cinnamon in a 13x9 inch baking dish.

Add apples and cranberries/raisins: toss and coat well. Spread apple mixture evenly over bottom of baking dish.

Arrange slices of bread on top.

Mix eggs, milk. vanilla and remaining 2 tsp of cinnamon until well blended. Pour mixture over bread, soaking bread completely.

Cover and refrigerate 4 to 24 hours/

Bake, covered with aluminum foil, in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.

Uncover and bake 5 minutes more. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.

Serve warm.

Pancakes

This recipe is taken from the My First Little House Books, My Little House Cookbook.

Makes about 20 small pancakes, 15 faces, or 6 full people.

1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c unbleached white flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp maple syrup

Put dry ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until mixed.

Ask a grown-up to help you melt the 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Mix the melted butter, egg, buttermilk and 2 tbsp maple syrup together in a small bowl. Add to fry ingredients. Whisk together until the mixture has almost no lumps.

ASk a grown-up to help you cook the pancakes. Add just enough oil or butter to cover the pan evenly. Pour the shapes into the pan over medium heat. Add more shapes, leaving room for ht batter to expand. Once the tops bubble, slip the spatula underneath and look to see if its brown. Flip and cook half as long as the first.

Serve with butter, maple syrup, strawberry jam or your own choice of toppings.