My last day in NYC started with brunch at Serenity T in Soho with my son and niece. The place gave mixed messages with it’s atmosphere and servers. An interesting menu, way laid back servers and a little chaotic looking in the dining room. But the food was great. My niece, remember who juiced me a montage of vitamins, had the spa brunch choice and tea. They offered a cool tea service… hence the name Serenity T … Made me want to return my coffee in a glass mug. Pretty but cools too fast.
Wrap with veggies and smoked salmon.
And who is on vacation? The one who ordered a croque madame with truffled mornay sauce…
My son with his usual french toast albeit anything from ordinary…This was my goal today in our own home.
With stuffed bellies, we had a little walk and took in Soho. These guys were packed up, heading to another corner…
I loved this display window…
We just happened to pass by PURL.. I had read about this shop recently and had one of those moments where I couldn’t remember who, what, when or where… but I had that good feeling you have when you run into something unexpectedly that you would have chosen to visit if you had thought of it. Do you get me? It’s a beautiful store and they also have a great blog. This picture does NOT do it justice.
And now for our Saturday brunch here in Hamburg. I attempted stuffed french toast for the first time. We use to have a great brioche french toast at the cafe but I never stuffed it. It’s a bit rich for me but thought I’d try it out on Chloe and her two girlfriends. Here’s what I came up with for a recipe. Pretty basic. What I missed was the zest in the cream cheese filling… so that’s added. I used a hardy white bread but would like to try it with spongy white bread or brioche and actually make pockets in the bread to fill or possibly challah.
Stuffed French Toast-Print recipe
I creamed together the cheese filling ingredients… a blend of cream cheese and mascarpone.
Laid out my white bread, sliced apricots and walnuts
I spread those bad boys…
I used canned apricots as this is so not the season for fresh. But I’d actually like to try in with dried apricots. I think it would give it a little more sweet and sour kick and a little texture.
Next I smashed the them together. You need cheese on both sides so they will stick…
I beat the eggs,cream, milk, cinnamon… I threw in a little orange zest here too (optional)
Then dip and a little soak…
After a few minutes on a hot buttered frying pan and a little garnish…
It is quite filling if you aren’t a big eater. The girls did a pretty good job though.
Of course, this was my plate…the one who said a few photos ago some crap about rich and filling and who isn’t on vacation anymore and shouldn’t be eating like she is 🙂
Last but so very not least… we have a weekend guest, Daisy, chez nous… she’s putting a big smile on my face.
Wendy's Place 
Glad you made it home safely and had such a nice time NYC. Love the stuffed French toast…it looks so tasty. And Daisy! She is darling…how big is she? Is she a Yorkshire Terrier?
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She’s about 8 pounds I think… and I’d have to get back to you on the type of Terrier but I know it’s not Yorkshire. She’s a little bigger that that.
Teri… if you read this… feel free to reply! (she’s Daisy’s mama)
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As I’m sitting here drinking my morning coffee, that french toast looks absolutely wonderful. I’m going to have to give it a try.
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It’s nearing 8pm for me and it’s not too shabby cold either!
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Such a good idea for the french toast!
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Yum!
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Fabulous!!! Your writing & pictures puts me right there. Now I just have to go and experience some of these things myself. I just came across Purl Bee blog this week and love it. Am excited to try some of the knitted items.
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It was really funny. We were walking down the road and I looked in there and shouted… “Stop. I’ve got to go it here.” I think I read about the owner starting out as a little shop that took off kind of thing and found it intriguing. It’s an inspiring space full of color and ideas.
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As usual … very, very nice me dear. I would certainly like to dive into one of those Frenchies myself. For sure, I miss having you around more than anything … but the food is definitely on the MIA radar screen.
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Not much that can beat a good french toast for breakfast … yours looks fantastic – only such a messy business to do them. Daisy put a smile on my face too.
Next time I have stay over guests will I offer them your french toast for breakfast. The photos are fine … they should look soft in the middle. Most food is raw when photos are taken and they color it with tea to get the right color.Yummy!
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I love breakfast dishes! They just bring energy and light even if I eat it for lunch or for dinner. 🙂
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i LOVE french toast — never woulda guessed it would ja? i stuff it when the grandboys come over, wonder why i’ve never fixed it for will? i’ll do that for him the next time he’s here.
What a CUTE dog!
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You sparked a question:) When you get around to using dried apricots would you suggest soaking them first?
You have a nice blog, I have enjoyed myself. Thanks.
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Hi… I think I wouldn’t actually. When I used the can apricots they tasted good but not like I had in the restaurant. In the restaurant it was a hit of sweet and sour and texture. It’s on my list to make again… but when is the question!
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Thanks for the answer dried apricots certainly would add texture 🙂 Have a great day!
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Love the food & the guest!!!
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ohhh that was a nice one to revisit. I’ll have to make this french toast again. Would be fun to put on the holiday menu for family week!
I loved that dog…my friend’s norfolk terrier. So Sweet!
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