Very Berry Topping Recipes

BERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine the berries, sugar, lemon zest and juice in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the berries burst and the liquid starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
• Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, forcing the berries through by pushing and scraping with a rubber spatula. The more you force through, the thicker the sauce will be (the pulp closest to the seeds contains the most pectin, which is a natural thickener). Let cool completely and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

VERY BERRY CRANBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Put the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar and whiskey in a large saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the blueberries and raspberries and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool, then transfer to a jar and keep in the fridge until cold and thick.

MIXED BERRY FRENCH TOAST BAKE

Steps:

• Whisk together first 6 ingredients. Place bread cubes in a 13x9-in. or 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight., Preheat oven to 350°. Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake, covered, 30 minutes., In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve with syrup.

BERRY COMPOTE TOPPING

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the water, lemon juice and syrup. Stir in the berries. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Serve immediately or transfer to freezer containers. May be frozen for up to 3 months., To use frozen sauce: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Place in a saucepan and heat through.

OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST BAKE WITH BERRY TOPPING

Steps:

• Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place bread cubes in dish. In large bowl, beat eggs, half-and-half, 1/4 cup sugar, the cinnamon, salt and vanilla with wire whisk until smooth; pour over bread cubes. Cover tightly; refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
• Heat oven to 400°F. Uncover dish; bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
• Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, stir together 1 cup sugar and the cornstarch. Stir in orange juice until smooth. Stir in mixed berries. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook about 6 minutes, stirring constantly, until topping is slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
• Just before serving, stir strawberries into topping. Serve warm over French toast bake.