Ingredients of a Seven Hour Brunch

Over half a year ago, after months of painful deliberating, I broke up with my long-term boyfriend and moved out of our home. It was hard but with each passing day I became more confident about my decision. I also rediscovered many pleasures in the last half-year. I no longer have to hear ESPN as white noise in my new home. I only have myself to feed; some nights, I’m eating a bowl of cereal in front of Netflix. Admittedly, it’s also a lot of eating out. As much as I love the new abundance of leisure time that freed up now that I’m no longer cooking 3-5 times a week, I do miss cooking. I don’t just miss cooking, but specifically I miss cooking for someone I love. Cooking is my favorite way to express love. I’m not motivated to try out new recipes and plate food when I’m cooking for one.

I stumbled on a brunch recipe for savory french toast casserole and knew I had to make it. To motivate me further, I invited four of my closest girlfriends in town. It ended up being a lovely brunch that lasted seven hours. The spread was a photogenic spread but 7 hours later it was a happy disaster of donut crumbs and crafting supplies (Anita brought supplies for us to make flower crowns). We pulled out what little of the french toast casserole was left at hour six and all ate from the same plate. Also, there were eighteen big donuts and we demolished those too.

Here are the ingredients for our 7 hour happy brunch: