Sophisticated Reese's

Being Tuesday, I needed something to make for Jeff to bring in for the Wednesday treat day so his coworkers can "test" what I've been making. This was a little labor intensive but I must say it was worth it. After my first bite I was in love! A decadent dark chocolate layer on top controls the sweetness of the creamy, but still firm peanut butter layer. You can still see the little pieces of brown sugar in the bottom layer that adds to the richness of these little gems. I'm not sure how many will actually make it to the office tomorrow, but I know one thing - I will be making these again! The second picture has a little glare from the light - sorry about that!



Why not keep the sweet theme going? Tonight was breakfast for dinner. Orange-Almond French Toast Casserole(adapted from CL) is very much like a giant sticky bun, execpt it is much better! We don't care for "soft/mushy" french toast and this is much the opposite! It is quite firm, but not quite crunchy. It does not have that soggy factor that sometimes happens. Flavor from the orange juice and zest makes this dish stand out from normal french toast. The orginial recipe called for pecans but I was out so I used sliced almonds and would do so again. I also used Golden Syrup instead of the corn syrup. This is crazy good - I served soft scrambled eggs on the side to offset the sweetness.



Orange-Almond French Toast Casserole (My adapted version from CL)

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons Lyle's Golden Syrup
Cooking spray
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg whites
2 large eggs
12 (1-inch-thick) slices French bread

Combine brown sugar, butter, and golden syrup; pour into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over sugar mixture and gently press down.

Combine rind and next 7 ingredients (rind through eggs); stir with a whisk. Arrange bread slices over sliced almonds in dish; pour egg mixture over bread. Cover overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°

Uncover and let stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until lightly browned.