Just 15 more calendar days until my "babies" are out of school! Summer is coming and I need to sit down with Connor and Samantha and come up with their bucket list for this year. We will create a list of where to go, what do do, fun ideas that include some of their friends, how many books they will read and a project of two for the summer. One thing we never need to plan out is their joining me in the kitchen - they have been doing that as long as they can remember. It just happens and I LOVE it!! I can't wait to see what we cook up together over this years summer vacation!
Memories of their early days in the kitchen...
Then then Samantha was 4 and Connor was 6. Now she is 9 and he...he is 12 and on his way to middle school next year...sniff...sniff! Where did the time go??
The last day of school is always a half-day for them. I meet them at the bus stop...take a few photos...have a special treat ready for them and then we head to an end of year party! Its a good day!
The following morning, I cook them up something fun and serve it to them via breakfast-in-bed and they just love it! I have to get thinking on what that will be this year. One of their favorites (which I have been making since they were very young) is this French Toast Surprise. I mean who doesn't love French Toast...right? They totally do, however when I started cutting it out like above and filling it with a bit of jam...they went bonkers!
The idea had come from packing my son's lunch in 1st grade. Every day he wanted a jelly sandwich...so I would cut the sandwiches in small teddy bear shapes, circles, stars, etc and call the "Magic" Sandwiches. Connor just loved it and over the course of 1st and 2nd grade parents would call, email or seek me out at school functions to emphatically ask "what are these MAGIC Sandwiches you make that my kid always talks about??" Lol. I was always like "OMGosh...its JUST a jelly sandwich cut out in a fun shape with a little love in it". Even at that age "branding" works I guess! SO funny and a great memory...I totally need to post that, so one day Connor can read it and get a good laugh and a food-memory!
Do you have any fun ideas to celebrate the end of the school year? What have you done/do you do? I would love to know!
French Toast Surprise
1 large egg
2 TBS milk
½ cup strawberry jam (or your favorite)
8-10 slices white or wheat bread
2 TBS powdered sugar
1 TBS butter
Using a round cookie cutter, cut your bread slices into rounds and set aside. Assemble sandwiches by smearing one half with jam and topping it with another round. Set aside.
Crack your egg, add in the milk and whisk it until fully combined. Heat your pan over medium heat. Add butter, swirl it around to coat the pan. Using a pastry/bbq brush or spoon, brush or spoon some of the egg mixture lightly over once side a sandwich, add it to the pan - egg side down. Once you fill the pan with the sandwiches, quickly brush the top side of each one with the egg mixture. Flip after about a minute or once it begins to crisp up and become golden -brown. Remove from pan and plate. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Colleen's Notes: You can cut these into fun shapes as well, add in some cinnamon or vanilla to the egg mixture or whatever you think your kids would like best.
Enjoy!!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
That is such a neat tradition! I love it, and I'm sure it makes this time of year extra special for your kids.
Angie says
How much fun! My son's last day was yesterday! He's so excited that it's finally summer!
Amanda (The Kitcheneer) says
This is such a cute idea to do with your kids! Such a good mom! And the french toast looks amazing!
Lana@NeverEnoughThyme says
Creating traditions and memories with kids is so important! And kitchen memories are the best. The French toast sounds delicious!
Brenda@SugarFreeMom says
Adorable pics of your family! Love getting my kids involved too!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
Our end of school routine will include lots of days at our local beach! We moved to a community that has beach access last year and I will be sunning it up! And making cool treats like this! So cute!
Ginny McMeans says
What fun and it makes the meal so special. Love your kids!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
Your family is ADORABLE.
Back for Seconds says
So fun, love this!
Savory Experiments says
I'd love to make these with my niece and nephew! Your children are adorable.
foody schmoody says
This is a great idea for the kids.
Nutmeg Nanny says
These look delicious! Congrats on that last day of school and hello to summer break!
Renee Goerger says
I just love your French toast surprise and your magic sandwich ideas. You're such a good mom! Happy summer 🙂
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
Jenn Kurkiewicz says
I love french toast, and this is such a great twist on the classic! So fun 🙂
Melissa Bailey says
This is great. I love to see kiddos in the kitchen and what a fun way to get them involved.
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I love French toast. It's so fast. I have never seen this done before. I love the idea. Too fun to see as well as hear about your 'babies'.