mops brunch and playdate

last night and this morning i raced around like a crazy woman getting the house all in order so that i could host a mops brunch and playdate.  all of the members of the steering team have taken a month to plan an additional "out-and-about" for the group - my month was february.  we had already had a valentines family dinner, so i thought i would do something at the end of the month.  i am not really a go out at night kind of person, so i wanted to do something kid friendly.  and brunch at my house was born.

i baked up muffins, a few casseroles (baked caramel-banana french toast and oatmeal with berries and bananas) and cut up some watermelon and cantaloupe. we had more than enough food.  i had a craft for the kids too, but we never got around to it because they were just excited to get to play with someone else's toys! 

i am so glad that i was able to have them all over and thankful to have them in my life.  it was also a great reason for me to have to do some deep cleaning. 

here is the most requested recipe of the morning for your enjoyment - it is from all you magazine - may 2012:

baked caramel-banana french toast
8 T (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 T dark rum, optional (i did not use but have before and it is better without imo)
2 medium ripe bananas, sliced
1 loaf challah or white bread (about 20 oz), cut or torn into 1/2-inch pieces
8 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1 T vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

1. melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Add brown sugar and rum, if desired; stir unti smooth. remove from heat and stir in bananas.
2. scatter half of bread in a 9x13 baking dish. spoon caramel-banana mixture evenlyover bread. top with remaining bread. in a large bowl, whisk eggs until blended. whisk in half and half, vanilla and salt. pour over bread mixture, pressing down on bread to make sure it's all coated.  cover with foil and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. preheat oven to 350F. let baking dish stand at room temperature while the oven preheats. remove foil and bake until puffed and golden and a thin knife insterted in center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

love.