French toast has always been one of Cole’s favourite foods. His tastes have changed a lot over the years, but his affinity for this delicious breakfast treat has remained consistent. In fact, he loves French toast so much that he’ll often request it for dinner. Sometimes, if I’m feeling particularly nice (or lazy), I’ll oblige.
Since it was Valentine’s day this month, I made a heart-shaped French toast, with a quick strawberry sauce in the microwave, and honey-sweetened ricotta cheese. It reminded me of strawberry cheesecake, so I called it “Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast.” You’re welcome.
Bennett wasn’t interested in French toast on this particular morning, all he wanted was cereal. Cole and Ayla, however, enjoyed the french toast a lot. We had no problem finishing off Bennett’s share.
That wasn’t the only heart-shaped food we had this month. It was Ayla’s 1st birthday on February 8th, and I made her a cake in the shape of a heart.
It was easy enough that even I, with my very limited cake-decorating skills, was able to manage it. You can find the tutorial for the heart cake at Dinner, a Love Story. I even made a sprinkle number 1 on the cake by printing out a big number 1 and cutting it out to make a stencil. I placed the stencil on the cake and added sprinkles over top of it. I removed the stencil and voila- a perfect number 1. Easy peasy! The icing was so yummy too. I used this recipe using marshmallow creme. Wow, it was dreamy.
I still can’t get over that my little baby is 1 already! That was the fastest year ever. I’m back working full-time, which is why you haven’t heard much from me lately. It’s very busy right now, but I think we’re all starting to settle into the new routine. Ayla’s doing really well at daycare, so that’s a big relief for me. And we still have the weekends to spend time together and make tasty breakfasts like this one.
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast
French Toast
4 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar (optional)
6 thick sliced bread
In a deep plate or pie dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar.
Dip slices of bread to coat on both sides, shaking off any excess egg, then place bread on a heated and greased griddle. Cook on each side until lightly browned.
Cheese filling:
1/2 cup ricotta
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Combine ricotta, honey and lemon zest in a small bowl.
Strawberry Sauce:
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp sugar
Place strawberries in a microwavable bowl. In a small bowl, mix togehter cornstarch and sugar, then sprinkle it over the berries. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for approximately 4 minutes, or until the berries are steaming hot and have released their juices. Stir and mash them with a fork, then let sit until thickened and cooled slightly.
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast
Cut the center of the french toast with a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Spoon the ricotta cheese filling into the center. Top with strawberry sauce. Add another dollop of ricotta cheese, then place the cut-out heart on top.
If you liked this recipe, try these ones from Life Made Delicious:
Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Overnight French Toast Bake with Berry Topping
Strawberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
Raspberry Rhubarb Puff Pancake
I hope you’re all enjoying the last days of the Olympics! General Mills has been showing their support as a sponsor for Team Canada. And at the end of the month, there’s going to be a fun contest with Pillsbury Toaster Strudels, so be sure to keep an eye out on the Life Made Delicious facebook page for more details.
Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger Program through Mom Central Canada and I receive certain perks as part of my affiliation. Opinions are my own.
My kids like to whine, especially when it comes to the food they eat, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to make tasty and healthy meals for them. Follow along as I share family-friendly recipes and reviews from my picky family members, who I lovingly call “The Whine Critics.” 
