Welcome and thank you for purchasing my book, The Grace Table: Your Faith Legacy.
I wanted to share some of my favorite family, friend, and internet recipes that are simple and delicious for sharing around you Grace Table.
Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
[Note: Don’t let the sweetened condensed milk scare you. This is amazing!]
[Note: I like it with orange zest and juice. Craisins, and little or no spices.]
[Note: I don’t do the poppy seeds and sometimes do red grape halves instead of the cranberries. I prefer serving it with croissants or Hawaiian rolls.]
[Note: I was skeptical, but it is so good! I like to serve this with croissants.]
[Note: I use sunflower seeds, Brianna’s blush wine vinaigrette, and add a little red onion. Also good adding Mandarin oranges instead of or in addition to the strawberries. If instead of try adding blueberries and/or dried cranberries as well.]
[Note: I don’t use the vinegar, just all lemon juice.]
Hints & Tips
Most of the recipes above can be made or prepped in advance. This takes the pressure off on the day of your gathering.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to impress. Your caring attitiude, some good food and good conversation are the makings of a great time!
Nice weather? Take advantage of your patio, garden, or break out the picnic basket and head to a nearby park for alfresco Grace Table gatherings.
Little touches that don’t take a lot of time or money can make your guests feel special without putting pressure on you or your wallet.
❤ 12×12 decorative scrapbook papers make for a cute and inexpensive cross between a placemats and plate chargers whether your using regular or paper plates.
❤ Candles are always a nice touch, even in the daytime. Keep some simple votive candle holders and flameless tealights (both available at Dollar Tree) handy for an instant touch of elegance on your table.
❤Don’t forget thrift stores can also be your friend for decor and dishes. I’m always finding wonderful tea cups and saucers (mismatched is a lot of fun!). Just use simple white or clear plates (glass, ceramic, plastic, or paper) with them. Occasionally I will even find a gem to gift to someone or use as a door prize at an event I’m hosting.
❤ Keep beverages simple. Coffee, tea, and water cover most people. Offer some lemon and/or lime for the tea and water. If you want a punch one I like to make, that is kind of fall-ish, but would work anytime is
1 bottle pear nectar (about 1 liter)
1 bottle apple juice (about 1 liter)
1 liter ginger ale
All previously chilled.
Another classic flavor combo is cranberry juice and orange juice with 7Up.
Then there’s the old standby Ice Cream Punch. Float scoops of slightly softened vanilla ice cream or fruity sherbet (just not rainbow) in chilled juice or fruit punch with 7Up or ginger ale.
❤ Relax. Don’t pressure yourself to perform. Talking about Jesus, sharing my stories, praying and even worshipping with friends in a casual home setting has become second nature for me/us. In time it will for you, too.
Julia Melatis - Author 