Savory “Clean-the-Fridge” Bread Pudding

Snowed In? Make the Most of Your “Milk & Bread Run” with These Cozy Recipes!

The forecast says snow, and here in St. Charles County, we all know what that means: the pre-storm mad dash to the grocery store! If you joined the crowds and your kitchen counter is currently loaded with the “holy trinity” of winter weather staples—milk, bread, and eggs—you are certainly not alone.

At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, we believe that being snowed in isn’t an inconvenience; it’s an opportunity to embrace the comfort of your home. When the roads are covered and the wind is howling, the kitchen becomes the heart of the house.

Don’t let those staples go to waste! Turn that panic-buying into comfort dining with these three simple recipes that utilize the milk, bread, and eggs you stocked up on.

1. The Ultimate Snow Day French Toast

This is the classic use for the “big three.” It’s warm, filling, and makes the whole house smell amazing.

• The Basics: Whisk together eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. (If you have cinnamon, vanilla, or a pinch of sugar in the pantry, toss it in!)

• The Method: Dip thick slices of that bread into the mixture, letting it soak for just a second on each side.

• The Cook: Fry in a buttered skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Serve with syrup, jelly, or just a dusting of powdered sugar.

2. Savory “Clean-the-Fridge” Bread Pudding (Strata)

If you want something heartier for dinner, this savory bake is incredibly forgiving and uses up staler bread perfectly.

• The Basics: Tear a hearty amount of bread into chunks and place them in a greased baking dish.

• The Mix-ins: This is where you get creative. Do you have leftover ham? A forgotten bag of shredded cheese? A lonely onion? Chop them up and toss them in with the bread chunks.

• The Custard: Whisk together a hefty ratio of eggs and milk (think 6 eggs to 2 cups of milk, seasoned with salt and pepper). Pour this mixture over the bread and mix-ins. Press it down so the bread soaks up the liquid. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

• The Cook: Bake at 375°F for about 45-55 minutes until puffed and golden.

3. “Egg in a Basket” (A Kid Favorite!)

Simple, fun, and barely any cleanup. This is a great one to let the kids help with.

• The Prep: Take a slice of bread and use a biscuit cutter (or the rim of a small drinking glass) to cut a hole in the center.

• The Cook: Butter a skillet over medium heat. Place the bread slice and the cutout circle in the pan. Crack an egg directly into the hole in the bread.

• The Finish: Cook until the white is set on the bottom, then carefully flip both the bread-with-egg and the cutout circle to cook the other side. Season with salt and pepper.

We hope these simple recipes help keep your family warm and fed while the flakes fly outside. Enjoy the downtime in the comfort of your home!

Remember, once the snow melts, if you realize you need a home with a bigger kitchen for storm cooking, or a cozier fireplace for waiting out the weather, the team at Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate is ready to serve you. Stay safe and warm!