(NC)-Recently identified as one of the top 20
trends in cooking, a growing number of Canadian chefs are cooking
with grapefruit. Both professionals and novices in the kitchen
are being inspired by grapefruit to create new dishes and to
add some zest to traditional favourites.
The following recipe is a perfect example of grapefruit-inspired
variations on classic recipes. Prepared the night before, this
deluxe brunch dish provides a no-fuss solution for weekend
guests
Recipes
Grapefruit French Toast Casserole with Sweet'n'Citrus Salsa Ingredients: Casserole:
8 cups cubed challah bread (about 8 thick slices)
1/2 cup spreadable cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup milk
1/2 cup Florida grapefruit juice
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
icing sugar
Directions: Casserole:
Place bread in greased 11 x 7-inch (2.5L) baking dish.
Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until softened.
Beat in milk in steady drizzle, then grapefruit juice.
Whisk in eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until combined.
Pour over bread, pressing down to soak bread evenly.
Sprinkle brown sugar and drizzle maple syrup over top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Before serving, bake in center of 350F (180C) oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and liquid is completely set. Let stand on rack 5 minutes.
Salsa:
Grate required rind from the grapefruit
and oranges, then cut away the peel and
pith.
With small sharp knife cut grapefruit
and orange sections away from membrane;
cut each section in half crosswise.
Place
in serving bowl; sprinkle with grapefruit
and orange rinds, brown sugar, granulated
sugar and cinnamon (optional).
Refrigerate
for 1 hour.
Stir together gently just before
serving.
Serve the casserole and top with the salsa,
additional maple syrup and a sprinkle of
icing sugar.
Whether
for breakfast, lunch or dinner, cooking with grapefruit is
easy. Let your taste buds be your guide or look for more delicious
grapefruit recipes at www.FloridaJuice.com.