Two Wifesavers-Politically Incorrect Breakfasts

July19

I tried to go back and reference the first time I heard the term “wife-saver”.  It was from my much-loved “Best of Bridge” cookbook series.  And I say tried because these cook books have been used so thoroughly over the years, that the front cover of this one (which would have included the date of publishing) is long gone.  Suffice it to say, that it was when my kids were babies and my oldest just turned 26. 

So we can safely establish that roles have changed.  But in this particular case the adage is an accurate one.  Sister #2 holds down one of those all-consuming jobs that makes weekends at the cottage particularly precious.  A time when she can sleep in, walk with the dogs, read, nap and rejuvenate for the weekdays ahead.  And so it is, that on weekends (especially long weekends), when she is assigned to the preparation of breakfasts for a gang, she dips into her “wife-saving” repertoire.

Don’t know what this was called, but it was satisfying and delicious.  Some of our gang took left over squares that they could eat on the run without reheating.

8 hash brown patties

2 cups of shaved ham (or chunks of leftover baked ham)

1 c milk

1/2 t dry mustard

4 c grated cheddar

7 eggs

1/2 t salt

Assemble a double layer of hash brown patties in appropriately sized pan.  Place ham on top.  Mix all other ingredients together and pour over top.  Cover and bake for 1 hour at 375 degrees.  Uncover and bake 15 minutes more.

Prepare for a sweet fix with this dish.  Don’t know the official name for it either but describe it as a “Pecan Carmel French Toast”.

1 c brown sugar

1/2 c butter

2 T corn syrup

1 c pecans, loosely chopped

12 slices of multi-grain bread

6 eggs

1 1/2 c milk

1 t vanilla

1 t cinnamon

1/4 t salt

Caramel sauce

1/2 c brown sugar

1/4 c butter

1 T corn syrup

To make this decadent dish even more so-we browned up split pork sausages to serve alongside

Combine sugar, butter, syrup.  Cook on med heat until sugar dissolves and it thickens.  Pour 1/2 sauce into 9 x 13 baking dish.  Place 6 slices of bread on top and then pecans.  Repeat.  Mix eggs, milk, spices.  Pour over bread.  Cover and refidgerate,  Bake 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees.  Make caramel sauce and pour over at table or when serving. 

Kath’s quote: “Often has the affectionate wife caused her husband a sleepless night and severe distress, which, had an enemy inflicted, she would scarcely have forgiven — because she has prepared for him food which did not agree with his constitution or habits.”-Sarah Josepha Hale, ‘The Good Housekeeper’

posted under Cookbooks, Entrees
4 Comments to

“Two Wifesavers-Politically Incorrect Breakfasts”

  1. Avatar July 21st, 2011 at 8:51 am Emma Says:

    The Best of Bridge is where I first heard the term, too – probably when I was a 9 year old fledgling feminist. Now I am 30 with a baby and totally understand the appeal :) These look delicious, thanks for sharing.


  2. Avatar July 21st, 2011 at 9:15 am kath Says:

    Emma-Thanks for commenting and reminding me to post your link in my blog-roll. Done now!


  3. Avatar January 9th, 2012 at 1:20 pm Changeshifter Says:

    First tasted your 1st wife-saver receipe when my sweetheart made it for me for our first Christmas morning together last year. Yes, it was surprisingly good cold as well and needless to say its been rechristened the ‘husband-saver’ at our house and is now part of our Christmas morning every year. Looking forward to havinga try at the second recipie, thanks Marilyn!


  4. Avatar January 9th, 2012 at 3:41 pm Kathryne Says:

    Marilyn, So happy to be a part of your Christmas celenrations.


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