How to Make Caramel French Toast

French toast is a popular breakfast anywhere in the world and whatever season there is. But having it during the Fall when the air is brisk and the leaves are turning yellow somehow completes the concept of a cozy brunch at home or in a vacation cabin. What makes it more special is the idea of adding caramel to it -- another flavor that reminds us of Autumn. 

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To make this caramel French toast, you will need to prepare the following ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, cut into cubes
• 1/3 cups light sugar syrup
• 10 thick slices of bread
• 4 medium or large eggs, beaten
• 2 and 1/2 cups liquid milk
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 to 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Here's how:

1. Combine brown sugar, 3/4 cup butter and sugar syrup in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes, or until bubbly. 
2. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan. Arrange the bread slices in this same pan and then set aside.
3. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir and mix everything well. Gradually pour this egg mixture over the bread slices. Cover and chill for at least 7 to 8 hours.
4. When the breads are nearly chilled, combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the bread slices. Melt the remaining butter and drizzle over bread. 
5. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm and with your favorite fruit. 

This recipe for caramel French toast makes 10 servings. Need more ingredients for this recipe? Click on the links below to get deals and discounts from Amazon:

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Autumn Faves: Cranberry-Orange Tea

If you are looking for something warm and cozy to drink on a chilly autumn evening, try this simple cranberry-orange tea recipe. Cranberry tea enhances the immune system (to prevent colds and flu), reduces the risk of urinary tract infection, and can flush out fat deposits from the body. Orange tea is rich in vitamin C and aids in digestion. 

You will need:

4 cups white cranberry cocktail juice

4 orange spice-flavored tea bags

Here's how:

Heat cranberry juice in a milk pan. Ladle into 4 mugs and place a teabag in each. Steep for 2-4 minutes, depending on desired tea strength. Serve immediately. 

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Making Healthy Food Choices

Vegetables, fruits, and grains are normally low in fat and have no cholesterol.  Most are great sources of dietary fiber, complex carbs, and vitamins.  The American Heart Association recommends that you eat foods that are high in complex carbs and fiber.

Below are some tips for making healthy food choices:

-  Coconut is high in saturated fat, while olives are high in monounsaturated fats and calories.  You should use these items sparingly to avoid getting too many calories from fat.

-  When vegetable grains are cooked, saturated fat or cholesterol is often added.  For example, egg yolks may be added to bread or even pasta.

-  Processed, canned, or preserved vegetables may also contain added sodium.  With some people, too much sodium (salt) may lead to high blood pressure. There are some food companies that are actually canning vegetables with less salt.  You can look for these in the market area or choose fresh and even frozen vegetables.

-  Nuts and seeds tend to be high in calories and fat, although a majority of the fat is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated.  There are some varieties, macadamia nuts for example, that are also high in saturated fat.

Foods that are high in soluble fiber are a great choice as well.  Examples include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, and even apple pulp.  

Whenever you are looking for healthy food choices, always make sure you read the nutrition label or information about the food.  Plan your meals for the week. You can then determine what the food contains and how healthy it truly is for your body.  By taking your time and making your healthy food choices wisely, you'll have a lifetime to enjoy the foods that will take care of you.