Tuesday, January 20, 2015

It's My Blogiversary!!! Time to Celebrate With A “Breakfast Strata Lorraine” Recipe


Wow, time flies when you are busy baking and cooking. Another year has rolled around and I truly thank all of you who took the time to read my posts and recipes. So glad that you are coming along for the ride on this journey of mine. As I have stated in previous posts, this blog was for me to share my memories of my Italian family with all of you. That still holds true, but it is also for you as well to share your memories and food thoughts along the way. “4” years going strong, and looking forward to doing better as well as bigger within 2015.


I started writing this blog one day without knowing what or who would read my words. I just wanted to record all my culinary experiences about my family’s recipes that were handed down from generation to generation. Over the last 3 years, this blog has chronicled my development as a cook, baker, and a food lover. I can’t believe that this blog has been seen by 159 countries. Over 76,000 views by you, my readers and followers. Now that is impressive! But most of all it is a blessing and I have invested a huge part of who I am. So I need to say, “Thank you” again, without the people who have read my stories, it wouldn’t be anything more than a journal of my family’s recipes and memories. Along the way I have met amazing bloggers, friends, an incredible online community from all parts of the world, and also introduced me to many new cuisines. I hope that my recipes and stories have inspired you to create your own memories.

Not everyone will understand why you blog, but it is okay. People you never would have expected will turn out to be your biggest supporters; unfortunately, the opposite is also true. But at the same time, the blogging world can also be like high school at times, very judgmental. It’s okay to only post when I really have something to say. But at the same time, you can’t take yourself too seriously. The most important thing — which I think about with every post — is to genuinely be myself. I tell people I write as if I were talking to my girlfriends. I hope that’s how it comes across.


Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, sharing, and following me on this journey! I’m so excited to see what this year #4 has in store. I can’t wait to share it with you! But first I have a recipe that I know you will want to make over and over. This recipe is “Breakfast Strata Lorraine” very easy and was inspired by the ingredients in a scrumptious classic quiche Lorraine. This do-ahead breakfast or brunch dish is great when you’re entertaining a crowd. Assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate, then bake the next morning. (This recipe serves 12 but you can cut the ingredients back to half.)  


Breakfast Strata Lorraine
Serves: 12

Ingredients:
2 Tbs olive oil
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 Tsp of fresh thyme
Salt to taste, plus 1 Tsp
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 lb spinach
1 1/2-lb sourdough bread, crusts removed, bread cut into 1-inch squares & toasted until dry (about 9 cups)
1 lb of bacon or (ham)
6 oz Gruyere cheese, grated (you can sub Swiss)

10 eggs
2 1/2 cups half-and-half



Directions:
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook bacon. Use the drippings to caramelize  the onions, add the onions, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, now cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

In the same pan over medium heat, warm 1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add half of the spinach, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander. Repeat with the remaining 1/2 Tbs. olive oil and spinach. Using a rubber spatula, press out the excess moisture.

In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes, the caramelized onion, spinach, bacon and cheese. Transfer to a 4-quart (4-l) baking dish. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, half-and-half, the 1 tsp. salt and pepper, to taste. Pour over the bread mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 16 hours.

Preheat an oven to 350°F  Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the top is browned and the strata is cooked through, 40 to 50 minutes more.



Till Next Time…………

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

16 comments:

  1. Good morning Dottie ,
    First let me congratulate you on your 4 years , Happy 4year Blogiversary . Time really fly when you are having fun . It has been fun getting to know and share with you . I always enjoy your posts about family and recipes . It has been a pleasure to share your memories with you , I notice there is not much different in Italian families , they all believe in good food , everyone at the dinner table and family time (true Italians) . I also notice that the farther you go west Italians use more heat , but the recipes are mostly the same . Here , we use lots of heat as you know (smiling) .
    Thanks for the recipe Breakfast Strata Lorraine , company coming and I will be serving it for brunch , there will be lots of smiles all around .
    Dottie , it has been a joy knowing you and look forward to many more years my friend .
    As always the post was great . Thanks for sharing. Have a warm , safe and blessed week . ~Nee~ :)

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    1. Good afternoon Nee,
      Thank you so much for your visiting and your beautiful comment. Yes, I can't believe that it is 4 years already..It has been a pleasure to know you as well dear friend. I agree Nee, in Italians families they are so right, family, food, and being together is what is so important. I can understand what you mean about "spicy & hot," I think like you from the west. But I do know my dad's people from Sicily likes things "hot" as well, so here we are back down south. If you try this recipe your guests will love it and you as well. Overnight in the fridge, just pop it in the oven and you can be with your guests visiting. Nee dear friend, I look forward to so many more years of our friendship. You have a blessed and a safe week as well.
      Dottie :)

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  2. Happy Blogiversary. Love reading about your family memories and recipes. Your sesame seed cookies are the best.

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    1. Hi Catherine, Welcome...Thank you for visiting and your lovely comment. I am so happy that you enjoy my stories and recipes. I don't blame you the "Sesame Seed Cookies" are one of my favorites as well. If there is anything that you want to see on my blog just let me know...Have a wonderful rest of the week...Dottie :)

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  3. Happy Blogoversary Dottie!!!

    Time sure does seem to be whizzing by:) It has been wonderful getting to know you and your delicious blog. Often just reading a few words or seeing a recipe brings back many memories. Thank you for sparking those thoughts:)

    Here's wishing you many more tasty blogoversaries and yes, Breakfast Stratas also!!!

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    1. Dear Louise,
      Thank you so much for your visiting and your lovely comment. Oh Louise, I remember when you first contacted me about my blog joining in with you and all the other wonderful fellow bloggers. Even though we are all virtual, it seems like I have known you and the group for so many years. You and your inspiration have been there for me through some rough times, and I have to thank you personally for that.I am so glad that I have been able to bring you back to your memories with your family. I do hope that we all have many more Blogiversaries together. Enjoy my recipe...Have a wonderful, blessed, and delicious week!
      Dottie :)

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  4. Dear Dottie, Time does go quickly!! I find I seem to be left in the dust sometimes and cannot keep up with the pace of life. I guess if I had to describe myself I would be the turtle!!
    I am very blessed and happy to have met you in this lovely world of bloggers and to call you my friend. You are so kind and gracious to visit and the leave the lovely comments you always take the time to write. Thank you and blessings for the new year. xoxoxo Catherine

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    1. Dear Catherine,
      Thank you for stopping over and your lovely comment. I do agree with you dear friend, I maybe a turtle with you...I seem to catch up, but then it just comes all over again at full speed and I am back again. If we could only stop time just for a while, right? Catherine, it is my pleasure to have meet you as well even though it is virtual. Thank you for your beautiful words, I also want to say that I have learned from you and your family, you are all an inspiration to me. Your words of support and sharing your family memories are comforting to me. That is why I write this to share what we all have in common and that is family, food, and love no matter what ethnic background we all come from! Have a blessed week....say hello to Tammy and Michael for me!
      Dottie :)

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  5. Happy blog's birthday sweet Dottie! Thank you for all your beautiful and inspiring posts during the last 4 years! It is true that time flies and blogging becomes part of our life. To me, a stay at home mum blogging means a lot; I can cook for my family and receive satisfaction in sharing what I do, get tips from other bloggers and learn new things all the time.
    Thank you Dottie for your family posts; I love reading about your Italian heritage and your mum's recipes are always great. xxx

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    1. Ciao Alida,
      Grazie, dear friend...Your words are so lovely. You are correct, blogging is part of our life, our passion, and lots of fun all wrapped in one. I know that it is a perfect way for your to share your traditions as well as be home for your children. I feel I have been so blessed to have met you and the other bloggers, which is where I get my tips and learn as well. So thrilled that you love my stories and recipes...Our Italian heritage is not that different. We love family, food, and traditions. Thank you so much for stopping by and your posts always give me inspiration. Have a delicious rest of the week...
      Dottie :)

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  6. Happy Blogiversary! Four years -- wow! Blogging is kinda addictive, isn't it? Congrats on that, and thanks for another terrific recipe.

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    1. Hi John,
      Thank you so much for your words...Yes, I can't believe it, 4 years ago and it all started because I made my 2 nieces a family cookbook with recipes from my mom, grandmothers, and my great grandmother. It is a passion but can be addictive. So glad that you are enjoying my stories and recipes...Keep reading much more to come in 2015....Have a wonderful week...Be safe....
      Dottie :)

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  7. Happy 4th Blogiversary, Dottie! You have a great blog and I have always enjoyed reading your posts. You inspire me with your delicious recipes and you always have an interesting story to go with it. Keep on blogging, so I can enjoy! Thanks!

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    1. Hi Pam,
      Thank you for stopping in and your comment. I am so happy that you love my posts and recipes. I love your blog as well..you always have such different recipes as well to share..I promise I will keep blogging....Enjoy your weekend...
      Dottie :)

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  8. Amazing! I can hardly believe you are celebrating your 4th blogiversary! You have shared so much love with your readers it is no wonder you receive the lovely comments that you do. Your efforts and sincerity shine through every post!

    Auguri e baci!

    Dani

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    1. Welcome Dani,
      Thanks for your visit and your lovely comment. I am so happy that you are enjoying my stories and my families recipes. I write for my followers and readers so they can have a memory and a delicious recipe as well! Hope that you have a wonderful weekend and please do come back anytime, you are welcomed.
      Dottie :)

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