I don’t know. I just like to shake things up sometimes by putting two or three things together that I enjoy and hoping that it turns out right. Today? It’s a monte cristo sandwich and a breakfast bake or casserole. Yep. And guess what? It’s pretty damn tasty if I do say so myself. I’ll tell you another thing, after this past week, I deserved a little somethin’ something’ special.

This Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole takes the cake. Like literally. It’s a monte cristo in the form of a better-for-you ‘strata’ or bake. Eggs. Cheese. Ham. Bread. Dijon. And you add a dab of raspberry preserves at the end and it’s done. And not depending fried or battered. Just good. Tasty. Breakfast…

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With the warmer and more sunny days upon us here in Texas, my mind often starts to go towards brunch items as Spring nears. It's truly one of my most favorite times of the year too. Though, a lot of that could have to do with the fact that my little girl's birthday is during Spring. She's truly the best thing to ever happen to me, and honestly as hard as being a parent can be at times, it's the most rewarding job in the world. Sometimes it feels too good to be true when she hugs onto me tightly and gives me sweet kisses randomly.

Since brunch has been on my mind lately, I thought it was the perfect time to get my Monte Cristo on. Not familiar with a Monte Cristo? It's generally a swiss cheese sandwich that's battered and fried and served with a side of preserves for dipping. Not exactly my jam. Pun intended. Bah-dum-pish.

However, I've come up with a pretty clever way to make this otherwise guilty dish into something that's more wholesome!...