A Mother's Day Special

Double Edge Tulips

Minneapolis Arboretum May 2021

"Where flowers bloom so does hope.” 

Lady Bird Johnson

Well, I had almost given up hope for some cacti blooms in our yard to appear as it was a cold winter for this area and it's been a late spring, Monday the unexpected happened.  We have a very small (think tiny) pond in the backyard. For the first time ever lily pads emerged bearing 3 blooms. What a great May Day gift. 

Note: I am still waiting on some cacti to bloom.   

Blueberry Croissant Puff

Cook's Notes: The beauty of this recipe can be made the night before and will be ready in the morning to bake. It's easy to put together and a delicious meld of flavors. A sprinkle of powdered sugar at the end makes this dish irresistible. The recipe can easily be doubled for a 13 x 9 plan. 

This recipe serves 4 and was adapted from thegirlwhoateeverything. 

Cooking Tips: Make sure eggs, cream cheese, and half and half are at room temperature before assembling. Remove Blueberry Croissant Puff from refrigerator 1 hour before planned bake time.  

Ingredients: 

• 3-4 large croissants, cut up (about 5 to 5 1/2 cups)
• 1 pint of fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 1 cup whole milk or half and half 
• (optional) powdered sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place croissant pieces in an 8-inch square pan or deep-dish pie plate that has been lightly greased. Sprinkle with blueberries.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until well blended. Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and vanilla into a medium bowl. With an electric mixer, mix until well blended. Gradually add milk or half and half, beating well after each addition. Pour evenly over croissant pieces. Let stand 20 minutes or soak overnight covered in the refrigerator.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until set in the center and golden brown. Check the dish halfway through baking. You may want to cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes if the top is getting too browned.
• Serve warm sprinkled with powdered sugar. Best served warm. YUM! YUM!