Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Glaze

weekends are great for making up a loaf of bread for the week ahead...use the left overs (or make it just for this reason) to make up fantastic cinnamon swirl french toast!

2 Tbs butter, room temp
1/3 c + 1 Tbs milk
1/4 c warm (110 degree) water
1 pkg yeast
3 Tbs sugar
2 lg eggs
2 1/4 c flour
1 tsp cinnamon

In a small glass measuring cup or bowl, combine 110 degree water, a pinch of salt & the yeast.  stir gently to mix, then set aside to "proof" (it will "grow" & get kind of fluffy as the yeast becomes active).  If this doesn't happen, you need to do it again, double check your water temp & make sure your yeast is w/in its date!
Heat 1/3 c milk + 2 Tbs butter till bubbles form on sides.  Remove from heat & set aside.
In mixer with dough hook, combine flour, 1 heaping T sugar & dash of salt.
Lightly beat 1 egg & add to milk mixture that has been cooling.  Slowly add to flour, beating on low.  Slowly add in yeast mixture.
Remove dough & knead till silky smooth (may add more flour if needed to keep dough from being too sticky)
Transfer to buttered bowl, cover & let rise for 1 hour.  Punch down, knead until silky smooth again.  Roll out ot 8 1/2" x 12"  Brush with 3 Tbs melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon & sugar (be generous).  Roll up & pinch to seal seam.  Place seam side down in pan, cover & let rise for 30 minutes.

GLAZE:
1 egg & 1 Tbs milk...whisk together & brush over risen dough.

Bake until golden brown & bottom sounds hollow, about 40 minutes in a 350 oven
Remove from oven & let cool in pan 10 min. before taking out & letting finish cooling on wire rack.  Give it at least 10 minutes on wire rack before slicing if you are needing to sample the warm, fresh from the oven, bread!

Breakfast Casserole

Easily tossed together, easily made w/o meat or with it...whatever is your preference!  Make it the night before, letting you have an easier morning while still having a hot, delicious breakfast to feed everyone!

6 slices bread
1 1/2 - 2lbs sausage, bacon, "fake" sausage for those who want a meat substitute (use one of these or combine for a more interesting casserole)
2 c. sharp cheese, grated
8 eggs
1 c. milk

Grease a 13x9 pan.
Cover bottom with bread broken into smaller pieces.
Brown sausage, or cook bacon, breaking up the meat & layering over the bread.
Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the meat.
Beat eggs and milk (salt & pepper if you like can be added in here, as well as red pepper or cayanne if you like a little heat) with a whisk.  Pour over the mixture in the dish.
Cover & pop in the fridge overnight.
In the am, bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes.

That's it!  Easy to make, fantastic to eat!  Doesn't get much better then that!