Jenna Tries to Cook: Eggnog French Toast

First things first, Trimmed & Taylored is the blog where I first found this recipe.  You can head over to her site and find the whole recipe and great directions for making this delicious treat.  Thanks for the inspiration Trimmed & Taylored and the easy to follow directions. Secondly, I would like to quickly thank my mom for covering the cost of the ingredients. So...thanks mom :)

I am a beginner at cooking.  I have just been inspired to try a couple of different recipes that I have found on different blogging websites.  Candy Cane Cocoa was one of the first recipes that I tried on my own.  Very simple. So when I saw this recipe, I decided that I would give it a shot. It is a little more advanced, plus it is very seasonal.  :)

 Here we go:

Ingredients

 Bring the pan to medium heat

Cake so far ;p

Break an egg into a medium sized bowl

I almost always struggle when cracking an egg. Today was no different.

Whisk until well-beaten  

Add the eggnog

One of the most important parts. Can't have Eggnog French Toast without it. I wasn't even sure if I liked Eggnog until today.



Add some Pumpkin Pie Spice

Whisk ingredients together

Now we're starting to get somewhere.

Get your cinnamon bread ready

 

Dip bread into bowl

I thought that this would be a lot harder than it actually was. I've cooked normal French toast before and it can easily fall apart. But for some reason, maybe because it was cinnamon bread, it did not break.

Flip the bread with a fork

Toss it quickly into the frying pan

Brown each side

This was the hardest part for me. I was afraid of burning the toast. See the dark spots, I thought those might have been burnt places. I finally figured out that it was suppose to look like that...I think? The cinnamon or egg maybe? Anyway, it did not taste burnt at all.

  

Place on a pan in the oven while making the Rum Syrup*

Finally finished! It looks really good. Now to make the syrup!

Enjoy!!!

Eggnog French Toast with Rum Syrup = Success!



I made Rum Syrup too, but didn't post the pictures. Well minus the first picture of me pouring it over the toast. :)

I wish someone else would have been here to give it a try, that way I could have had a second opinion. Maybe I will make it again a let someone else taste test, and then let me know what they think.

I was really pleased with the outcome of my little meal. I could have probably done a few things differently, but overall it tasted great and was an awesome learning experience. Plus, I got to enjoy almost four whole pieces of the french toast while relaxing at my kitchen table. 

I am really enjoy trying these different experiences. I want to keep learning. What should I try next?

*If you do decide to make the syrup, I would recommend trying the syrup before pouring it over your toast. I liked the syrup, but it had a strong rum flavor, it was almost too much for me. Next time, I am going to try and add less Rum extract or maybe just water it down some.Or something..

My New Best Friend

I probably have been a germaphobes worse nightmare these past few days. Only because of how much I have been sneezing. I've had this crazy head cold for about three or four days now. My nose has been running and my throat has been scratchy and sore. It is rather annoying.  At least it has given me some opportunities to use my Bath and Body lotion/hand sanitizer that smells like Christmas. Tis the season after all. 

I have taken some medicine, but the one item that has helped the most is been the HALLS cough/throat drops. My new best friend.

 And I must say that these little cherry drops of goodness are amazing. They soothe your throat and make it feel much better. And I've been popping them in my mouth like crazy. I have even been guilty of finishing one and almost instantly having the next one in my mouth. My little bag of cough drops is dwindling, I hope it can make it till the end of this cold.

Also, I found another recipe (the first being the Candy Cane Cocoa) on another blog.  drum roll please.....I am going to try and fix eggnog french toast. Well, the key word of course being try. Look for that post in the next few days...well, when ever I can finally get to the store and buy some supplies.... or I guess the correct cooking word would be ingredients. All I really know is that you can't cook eggnog french toast without the eggnog.

The snow has been coming down wildly the last few days. The road conditions have not been that great either. So I have been pretty lazy over all. I watched a lot of television on Sunday. I watched most of the new movie on ABC family called Christmas Cupid. I also watched this competition called the American Ninja Warrior. It pretty repetitious, but if others can watch cars race around the same track for hours...then I can watch different guys try the same obstacle course over and over. I also spent most of the day in my pajamas, which was quite lovely. I even opened my window so I could see the snow.  I was also able to knock a couple chapter out of the book that I am currently reading. It is called the Lucky One wrote by the great Nicholas Sparks. I have read some of his other books and of course seen the great movies as well.  Dear John being my favorite movie (I have yet to read the book..but it is on my to-do list) and this probably being my favorite book. Well at least I have really been enjoying it so far. So I bundled up with a couple blankets and read a few chapter out of the Lucky One. We also picked out our Christmas tree. It now sits in the stand in our living room. No decorations. Yet. Maybe I'll get to that tomorrow.

Inspiration Can Come In the Strangest Ways

I have a new inspiration.

Granted, I am not even sure who all my inspirations include. However, I am sure that Russell Brand is now one of them.

You heard me. Russell Brand.

Yes some of his humor can be on the crude side, and I do not always agree with his beliefs.  However, I still find him to be most inspiring. Plus, his British.

His personality is so bubbly.  He does not really filter or care what comes out of his mouth either. He dresses the way he likes. And most importantly he has tons of confidence. And he doesn't really seem to care what people think about all of this.

So...Russell Brand basically just inspires me to be myself. 

Be yourself is easily said, but rarely done. It is something that I tend to struggle with especially around new people. I guess I am just shy, but it is something that I want to work on.  I want to speak up when I normally would not, and more importantly not care if you think I am lame for doing so.  Guess I need a strong shot of confidence for this. Or even a round of shots..still of confidence mind you. I mean otherwise I would slur everything I tried to say...not cute...and what good would that do hmmm?

In short, my friends, that is what Russell Brand inspired me to do...Be myself no matter who is around. Well that and speak in a British accent.  Cheerio!

"no matter where you are in the world the moon is never bigger than your thumb"

I Heart...

 

 

1. Harry Potter.  I saw the new movie yesterday.  Actually I watched Half Blooded Prince for the first time yesterday, then we went and watched the Deathly Hallows.  Let me tell you, It did not disappoint.  I wish I could have taken a twenty minute break and watched the second part.  I enjoyed the movie and did not want it to end.  Oh well, I have to wait till July to know the ending. I have only read a few of the books, but I am tempted to buy the last book and read it.

|Photo Credit|

2. Christina Perri "Jar of Hearts" video because it reminds me of Death Eaters.   Okay, my brain is on Harry Potter, so when I watched the video for the first time today I thought...."Death Eaters!" Actually, I think it was something more like, "what?! that's so weird/awkward." However, when I watched it again, that was when I was reminded of Death Eaters...and I now I like the video. haha. Seriously though, I heart the song "Jar of Hearts." I have been listening to it a lot on my itunes. The song is absolutely amazing. If you haven't heard the song yet then click above. It is great music just to chill and do homework or maybe even read/write blogs too.

|Picture Credit|

3.This amazing dress that I found today!  Okay, so I will not be buying this dress anytime soon, but it is extremely cute. Plus, this dress is purple. One of my favorite colors!  I found it at ModCloth, an online shopping site that I recently found thanks to some fashion bloggers.  ModCloth has some of the cutest names for their clothing, such as "Winter Garden Dress" or "Thai Iced Tea Dress." It just a fun website to "window shop" at, and hey, maybe one day I will branch out and make a purchase.  ModCloth recommended wearing the purple dress with beads in the hair and boots. I love that, must be bringing out my hippie side :)

|ModCloth-Dress|

4. Thanksgiving! Oh my goodness, I am so ready for Thanksgiving break I can hardly stand it. I got a bit homesick last night, but it is not too bad considering that I get to leave in about two days for one of my favorite places in the world! For one, it will be so nice to actually eat some decent food. I am so tired of the dinning hall food. It has really been struggling this past week. Then I am going Black Friday shopping with my mother! I'll be fighting the crowds but looking for those great deals...hopefully.

|Photo Credit|

5. Blogs.  Recently I have became more and more interested in blogs, especially fashion related blogs. There are tons of great and interesting blogs out there!  Daybook is one of my personal favorites. I have recently been checking different blogs more than I have facebook.  Oh man...

|Photo Credit|

 

The Little Rebel

I once heard that red was a power color.

Cheap & Expensive Thoughts

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute..."

-Albert Einstein

• Today, I went shopping at Goodwill. I want to be a more thrifty person? You know, the whole looking for some treasures. So I ended up buying two sweaters that I am really excited about working into my wardrobe.  Like 'em?

• So last night I got inspired and looked up engagement rings at Tiffanys & Co. And whoa, I found a gorgeous ring...though it cost as much as a semester in college. So I guess I can count this ring out...well unless I marry a doctor...hmmm :)

I like this ring or at least the picture of it is gorgeous. The princess cut one was really pretty too.  HOWEVER....this 1Carat ring runs for about 9,200. Oh my gosh...guess that's the price you pay for that little blue Tiffany's box.

I also looked at their jewlery that is for under 250 dollars. They have some really cute stuff. *sigh* I guess I'm turning more and more girly. I never would have thought I'd be interested in designer jewelry.  At least I am not designer bag crazy...well yet.   

I will say that this would be an awful cute we've been together a year or even a promise ring though...it is still from Tiffanys, but a lot cheaper. This little adorable thing was only $100 dollars. A LOT cheaper.

Anyways, guess I am going to need me a boyfriend for me to get any sorta engagement rings. So this is not going to be happening anytime soon (you can breathe now mom). They are just pretty to look at...the boys and the rings. hehehe. Speaking of boys, I met a very pretty green eyed boy today. Be still my heart lol jk. Or wait maybe I should ask him if he is a pre-med major.

Also, guess you noticed that I'm posing with Rudolph. And yes, one of my shoes are untied :) Sorry my face was so red. Not really sure what that's about... Tomorrow I planning on wearing a crazy combo. Check back then to see me work zebra prints into my outfit.

Something Sweet: Jenna Tries to Cook: Candy Cane Cocoa

The Art of Candy Cane Cocoa

So recently I have been really into reading different blogs. I came across this tutorial on how to make Candy Cane Cocoa. I decided that I would try to make this treat. So I bought some Candy Canes and Chocolate...and here is the results.  To read the original post (or for the recipe) look here.

Ingredients :D

One cup of milk, one candy cane, and a tablespoon of chocolate chips

 Heat the milk in the sauce pot, but don't let it boil

 

Slowly add Chocolate and Candy Canes

 

Keep stirring. It takes the Candy Canes longer to melt.

It's smelling good now :)

 Pour it into your coffee cup, but you might want to do this over the sink...learned that the hard way.

Finished! You can add some whipped cream if you would like...and enjoy.

Be sure to drink this in a Christmas mug for the full effect (you can even add some Christmas music).  My Cocoa actually turned out really well. It actually tasted very delicious. Plus, I think it made me very hyper - possibly because of all that sugar.  I kept laughing and laughing over the dumbest thing. Anyway, give it a try because it is a simple treat that is fun to make.

Today is a New Day

Five Quick Random Things About Me

It is late, but I wanted to quickly update my new blog. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to add a post about Candy Cane Cocoa that I made the other day. I followed a tutorial from another blog, and it actually worked out for me. More on that tomorrow.

1. Yesterday, I turned twenty years old.  My friends gave me a surprise party on Saturday..they're the best! Wow. Goodbye teenage years.
2. I walk with my feet pointed outwards.  "What's it called when I walk?" "When I walk?" "...like how I walk with my feet pointed out?" "Waddle?"
3. I wore my hair in a bun on top of my hair today. Sorta of an Audrey Hepburn idea look. ( inspired by another blogger) But my bun looked more like a grandma hair style. I still liked it though.  (sorry the picture is darkish..and this is the bun after some wear so it looked a bit better earlier)
   
4. We actually decorated the Christmas tree tonight.  Early, yes, but that's okay because me and the roomies only have a couple more weeks together.
5. I started playing this game on my computer last night called Diner Frenzy or something close. Anyways, I picked back up today. Now I am on world two...and suddenly it wants me to start paying to play.  WHAT?! Not cool computer.