Psst, let me share a family secret!

Hi ,

Have you ever experimented in the kitchen and produced gold? Not in the literal sense. Though if you have, let's talk... What I mean is when you're playing with a recipe, or a recipe concept, and create a new family favorite. Let me share one of ours with you: Breakfast Pizza.

We had a recipe for a "Dutch Baby" that was ok, but nothing to write an email about, but when I topped it with country gravy, sharp cheddar cheese, and scrambled eggs, it became a staple. And it's the perfect recipe to use up extra eggs and milk that you may or may not have stocked up on before the big freeze (I won't judge).

Dutch Baby Crust

• 4 eggs ~room temperature~
• 1 cup milk ~room temperature~
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• large cast iron pan, 12-14 inches

1. Set your oven to 400 °F (200 °C across the pond) and put your pan in there to preheat.
2. Mix the eggs, milk, and flour in a blender until smooth and frothy. When the oven (and pan) are hot, throw the butter into the pan and spread it around. Then pour in the batter.
3. Bake for 12 minutes or until set and crispy.

Country Gravy Sauce

• 1/2 lb breakfast sausage; can be patties, links, or loose
• 2-3 T flour
• 2 C milk
• salt and pepper to taste (lots of pepper)

1. In a medium saucepan, brown the sausage. Chop up patties or links. If you're using "brown and serve," you may need to add a little butter if they don't render much fat.
2. Add 2- 3 tablespoons of flour, aiming to match the amount of grease released by the sausage. Whisk into a roux and cook until just slightly darkened.
3. Add milk slowly, whisking vigorously to prevent clumps. Season with salt, and about twice as much pepper as you think it needs.
4. Lower the heat and bring to a simmer. Watch the pot like a toddler in a candy store as it will boil over or scorch the minute you turn your back! Simmer until thickened.

For the toppings, you'll want to whip up 4-6 scrambled eggs, slightly underdone. And prepare 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar.

Final Assembly

When the "crust" is done, pull it from the oven and pour the "sauce" on top, then sprinkle on the eggs, and finally the cheese. Return the pan to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts.

Happy TravelsDining!

~Dad

(Chris Wright)

Dadding on the Road