for the love of love.

{cranberry walnut coconut pancakes}

{valentines brunch: cranberry walnut pancakes, baked french toast, strawberry muffins}

"As long as the self is consumed in the struggle to make itself lovely, it cannot love. First it must come to the end of its own resources, for the power to love derives purely and solely from the knowledge that one is already loved in return. The energy for love flows not out of any effort but simply from being loved."
Mike Mason

{overnight baked french toast with strawberries and hazelnut glaze}

This morning I had a bunch of girls over for Valentines Day brunch. I often joke that food is my love language... It is true. I love cooking for people, and it seems like such a simple way to brighten someones day or make them feel valuable. Valentines is such a loaded holiday, but can be so innocently beautiful and fun. The girls came over and we sat and lingered over some very festive and indulgent breakfast dishes. The overnight french toast is great, and so easy! The recipe is below.


Overnight Baked French Toast

6-8 old bagels, or thick bread cut into cubes
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
3 cups Milk
1/2 cup flavored creamer (I used hazelnut)
6 eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
Sliced Strawberries (optional)
Hazelnut Glaze (1 Tablespoon cream cheese, 1 Tablespoon of hazelnut creamer, 1 teaspoon Vanilla, 2 cups powdered sugar- mix well then add milk by teaspoons until mixture is glaze consistency.)

Cube the bread and place in a 9x13 pan.
Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and stick in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. In the morning, stir the mixture well, add sliced strawberries, and bake at 350degrees for 40-50 minutes, or until set.

When you take it out of the oven, serve with hazelnut glaze.