Hello Friends and Family! I am so excited to be back with you. I am fresh back from Mexico, refreshed and full of ideas to share. Matt (my boyfriend) and I went on a cruise! I have never been and let me tell you it did not disappoint.

Matt knows me and so everything we did this trip revolved around food...HA. I may be a little focused on flavor these days. From the first night where I was treated to the Chef table and 9 courses of visually stunning beautifully prepared treats to the last night where I got to have Baked Alaska for the first time. I made it a point to try one or two things I had never had every meal and seriously how amazing is it that I had that chance. We got to meet some amazing people and see the most breathtaking sights and I can’t wait to bring some of the experience to you.

I know I should have enjoyed not cooking and I truly did, but I couldn’t wait to get back and use some of the experience in my own kitchen. I work basically a 4 10’s schedule with my other job so “Lunch” is usually early. I decided brunch was just the thing. Did I mention we met some wonderful people? One of the ladies we met at breakfast mentioned she made her French toast with Hawaiian bread, and I thought that sounded like such a good idea. Matt’s favorite part of breakfast, when we didn’t go to the dining room, was the omelet bar. Thus, Monday brunch was born.

We had a two-egg omelet, French toast, a yogurt parfait and a mimosa made with Pineapple juice because I got addicted on the cruise to having a pineapple mimosa with every breakfast. They are fancy like Applebee’s on those cruises Y’all. I needed something beautiful and delicious that made me feel like I was still on vacation but fast enough that I could enjoy my lunch “hour”. This whole meal only took me 20 minutes to create, and I felt like I was back on the ship. It would have been a great meal to share with my girls for a little girlfriend brunch, it would be a great addition to Easter if your family celebrates at odd times like my family does. I also think Monday fancy brunch because I can, is going to be a thing now.

This is the real deal family; Life is short make it sweet is not just a cute saying that I put on jars because people like it. Life is short make it sweet is a truth that has hit me hard in the last couple of years. We have had a rough few years now. For me personally not just Covid and all that has come with it but regular life is sometimes just hard. Covid and the aftermath has been devastating and we soldier on. We get up everyday and adjust to the changes the best we can. Life is as sweet as you make every minute. Take time to grab those moments and make them special. Don’t wait for a three-day weekend to make a fancy brunch and treat yourself and the people important to you to a vacation in the middle of the day. Sometimes you have to make your own Sunshine and put the jam on the French toast even though it's only Monday! I can’t wait to share the next couple of ideas I have and the stories that go with them. Enjoy!

Pair it with a yummy omelet!

I paired this with a quick 2 egg omelet stirring in a ½ a small tomato, some Cilantro from my herb garden and some of the “Mexican” cheese blend before I put it in the pan. I left the cilantro just roughly torn so the flavor came through but if you don’t like cilantro, you could use Italian parsley or onion and garlic. I topped the whole thing with a little more cheese because well, it’s more cheese. Omelets traditionally are plain with the ingredients inside. It was a little change, but I liked it. I was able to get a little bit of something in every bite. If you are vegan or dairy intolerant this would be amazing with Sweet Life Tomato Jam substituted for in place of the tomato and cheese.

Mexican French Toast with Strawberry Jam Topping