I am a big, fat crybaby. I’ll just get that out in the open right now. I can be at a wedding of people I don’t even know well and the music will start, and I am bawling. Someone can tell me a story about something sad that happened, and without even hearing all of it, I’m bawling. Put a bunch of graduating high school seniors in front of me, and tears are streaming down my face simply because I picture my kids there in just a few years. I apparently was given one of those over sensitive crying triggers.
One thing that brings me to tears without fail is someone singing The National Anthem. The flag is waving, the song is pouring out from someones soul, and I am instantly in tears. I get overwhelmed with emotion… a sense of thankfulness and compassion washes over me. I cannot help but think that the life of freedom we have today is in part due to all of the people who gave (and are still giving) the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our country. Men and women leave the comfort of their homes and families behind to make my world a better place to be in. That is a dedication I will never understand but that I appreciate from the bottom of my gratitude filled heart.
If you live in the United States, please have a safe and happy Independence Day. If you see someone who is in the military, a Veteran who has served our country… or if you even see the family members of one of these brave soldiers… please stop and give them a rightful thank you. It is because of them that we can fly our flags high and be thankful that we live in the U.S.A.
Berry Stuffed French Toast with Vanilla Yogurt Sauce, from Recipezaar
15 min | 15 min prep
SERVES 4
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries, about 1/2 lb (blueberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries or blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (6 ounce) container low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 10 ounces French bread (1 small loaf)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 1/3 cup low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- nonstick cooking spray
- Place berries in a small bowl and sprinkle with powdered sugar. For the sauce, spoon about 1/4 of the berries, sweetened condensed milk and yogurt into a blender (or food processor) and puree until smooth; set aside.
- Cut bread into twelve 1 1/2-inch pieces. Cut into each piece almost all the way through to create a pocket. Stuff the bread slices with remaining sweetened berries and press lightly to close; set aside. Reserve any unused berries to garnish top at serving time.
- Whisk egg, egg white, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Dip stuffed bread slices in egg mixture to coat and cook until lightly browned on both sides, turning once.
- Spoon sauce onto serving plate, arrange French toast on top and garnish with any remaining berries.
Peter says:
If I watch American Pie, will that qualify me for a green card? lol
Have a wonderful and safe July 4 weekend, Kristen.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Asha says:
Happy 4th of July to you and family Kristen. Enjoy!:))
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:33 pm
MAYBELLINE says:
Dear Lord - me too. How about watching a parade? I even tear up at those! Who cares. We just need to be drained more than the others. Try not to dehydrate over the 4th!
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
MAYBELLINE says:
The comment thingy is a bit wonky. Hope this doesn’t post twice. How about parades? Those get to me. Stay hydrated during the 4th!
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Patricia Scarpin says:
The National Anthem gets me every time, too, Kristen. I remember getting all nostalgic when I ran into Brazilians while abroad.
This is a fresh, lovely dessert. Have a terrific holiday, my dear friend!
July 4th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Claire says:
Ha! I was NOT given a loose crying trigger, though I think that it’s becoming looser. The past three weddings I’ve been to I cried at! I feel like I’m more of a woman if I can now cry at weddings!
The French toast looks great.
July 5th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Cynthia says:
Me too! I am a big cry baby (lol)
July 5th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
robin says:
I’m so with you about the wedding crying. I swear, if I see one of those reality TV weddings, I’m tearing up!
July 6th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Lisa :) says:
: )
I can’t get past that scrumptious photo; I’m trying to think of what to write, a good reply to your lovely post, but all I can think about is how yummy that looks!
On a more serious note, I am grateful that we do have independence; may we never take it for granted.
July 6th, 2008 at 11:40 am
jenny says:
oh my goodness–looks so good. i’d never had stuffed french toast before staying at this b&b in august, missouri. i think she used pineapple and cream cheese. i love berries–delicious.
July 6th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Laura says:
I’ve been away for so long, I’ve missed your posts… and this is a great one! Thanks for the words, and recipe.
July 7th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hopie says:
I think it’s quite a blessing to be able to cry when you’re moved! I’m the opposite: can’t even cry when I’m really upset most of the time, so I’m in awe of people like you.
Nice red, white, and blue food theme
I don’t know if you noticed but your fruit and yogurt parfait is perfect in that respect too. Happy (belated) 4th. French Independence Day is the 14th, but it’s red, white and blue too…or rather blue, white and red, as they prefer to say, so some of the same recipes could apply…
July 7th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Shalee says:
I’m a big fat crybaby too. I don’t really want it any other way. Excellent words, Kristen. Remembering those who made/make us able to have the freedoms we do today is such a blessing. We need to live like those times matter.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Deborah says:
I’m a crybaby as well, so I totally understand! Hope you had a great holiday!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:49 am
YeastSpotting July 11, 2008 | Wild Yeast says:
[...] Berry Stuffed French Toast with Vanilla Yogurt Sauce ~ Dine and Dish [...]
July 11th, 2008 at 12:02 am