Ham and Cheese Eggbake

I love eggbakes, but my preference is adding lots of "stuff", like peppers, mushrooms, etc.  My kids, on the other hand, like it more traditional.  This recipe is a hit, its basically ham, eggs and cheese.  Perfect, in their opinion.  You  need to be on the ball and prepare the night before, but the day of... Oh so easy!  I usually double this recipe for a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Ham and Cheese Eggbake
3 c. frozen hashbrowns
3/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 c. diced ham, fully cooked
1/4 c. chopped green onions
4 eggs
12 oz. milk
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt

Put potatoes in greased 8 inch square baking dish.  Sprinkle with cheese, ham and onion.  Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over all.  Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.  Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.  Serves 6.

Buttermilk Waffles/Pancakes

My husband tore this recipe out of the Taste section of the Star Tribune a few years ago.  The texture is really nice, very moist (probably all the fat in them helps :).  It's kind of funny, I have some kids who want waffles and some who prefer pancakes, same batter, but.....  I suppose the difference is a waffle is a bit crisper, however, this recipe makes a softer crust.  My husband swears by following the directions to a "T", I tend to be lazy and throw all ingredients together.  My way is very good, but I will admit, the correct way is better.  My nephew was visiting from Florida, this was my treat for him, he LOVES Uncle Maurice's waffles!

Buttermilk Waffles/Pancakes

1-1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 T. granulated sugar
1 egg
2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
4 T. butter, melted

In large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and sugar.  In another large bowl, beat egg, then whisk in buttermilk, baking soda and butter.  Fold in dry ingredients until just combined.  For waffles, put about 3/4 cup batter in waffle maker, bake until crisp.  Makes approximately 5 waffles.
WW PointsPlus™ = 8 pts. per waffle

Individual Pannekoeken

Have you ever been to Pannekoeken Huis?  If so,  you will know what a Pannekoeken is, if not, this is it!  The first time I made this recipe was in the 7th grade in Mrs. Cameron's Home-Ec class (I guess that would be FACS today).  The class name changed, but maybe the class not so much?  My now 7th grade son came home last week to tell me they made this same recipe in his FACS class.  It's very simple and very easy.  The leavening agent is air, use a rotary mixer (the type with the handle to turn) or use a wire whip and whip it HARD, the more air, the higher it will raise.  My kids love to make these, they are always so impressed with the way it raises so high.  The flavor and texture is somewhere between a pancake and french toast.  Top with maple syrup, add fresh berries, yummmm!

Individual Pannekoeken

2 T. butter
1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
cinnamon
berries, optional

Preheat oven to 450°.  Put butter in 8 inch pie pan (glass works best), place pan in oven while oven is heating.  Meanwhile, combine flour, milk, eggs and vanilla into a bowl, beat well with rotary beater (air bubbles are what will make it rise).  Pour mixture into pan with melted butter.  Sprinkle with cinnamon.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Do not open oven while baking or it will not rise.
WW PointsPlus™ = 17 pts. per pannekoeken

Baked Oatmeal

 My school age kids have gone off to school, my 3-year old is still sleeping, all is quiet.  Just got off the treadmill, retrieved the morning paper and am sitting down to my morning oatmeal.  Aaaaahhhhh......  Seriously, there is oatmeal and there is "oatmeal".  This is a favorite passed on from one of my sisters, topped with nothing other than fresh Michigan Wild Blueberries found on my parents Lake Superior lake shore property.  Not picked by me, berry picking is NOT my thing, thankfully I have a husband and children who love the opportunity to commune with nature and crawl around the ground for hours on end, and, thankfully I get to reap the benefits!

Baked Oatmeal

1 c. olive oil (can use butter or applesauce) I use half oil and half melted butter.

1-1/2 c. sugar

4 eggs

6 c. oatmeal (I used Old Fashioned)

4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 c. milk

Combine all ingredients.  Pour into greased 9 x 13-inch pan.  Bake at 375° degree for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned.  Serve with fresh fruit.  Can refrigerate overnight before baking.  Recipe can easily be cut in half.

WW PointsPlus™ = 10 pts. per 1/12 of recipe