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Brunch…

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When people find out that you run a food blog, they often ask me who my favorite chef on Food Network is. I really dislike this question as half of them are not actually chefs, and second because no one seems to know my favorite sadly. Gale Gand had a show called Sweet Dreams, it was my favorite show. It’s not on anymore (or so I think) to make room for people to show me how to mix Cool Whip with Jello and set itΒ in toΒ an all orange kitchen. Bitter? Perhaps I am a tad. πŸ˜‰ All I have left on the Foodnetwork now is my eye candy, Tyler Florence.
If you never got to see the show, too bad. Great desserts were shown how to be made by a woman who has worked at two of my all time favorites, Gotham Bar & Grill and Charlie Trotters. She has several cookbooks with Butter Sugar Flour Eggs being my favorite, but they all are good. So when I was asked if I would want to receive her Brunch book I was intrigued. Brunch? Up until now, I had only known her as the dessert woman, or guru. But heck yeah, I wanted to see what she did with brunch.
Gale did Brunch proud. And let me just say, this book made me want to eat brunch more than just on Mother’s Day and Easter. It covers everything from beverages, eggs, pancakes, coffeecakes, toppings and much, much more.
This being a baking and sweets blog, I thought I would stick with that. I made three things from the book; the Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake Muffins, the Chocolate Waffles, and the Banana Fosters topping to go on top of my Chocolate Waffles. Let me just say that Chocolate Waffles with Banana Fosters topping is definitely the way to start your day! And for you on the go people, the muffins were yummy. I liked them because they were more sweet than a regular muffin, and you know I am all about the sugar. Next I am needing to make the Almond Ciabatta French Toast and my husband some Peanut Butter and Jelly Turnovers.
The sad thing is, no recipes. But I can highly suggest that you buy the cookbook. I mean, come on, Arbor Day will soon be here, and surely you deserve to buy yourself an Arbor Day gift. Right?

Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake Muffins

Chocolate Waffles with Banana Fosters Topping

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Cookbook Review67 Comments

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Comments

  1. snooky doodle says

    April 19, 2009 at 12:44 am

    oh that would be a nice brunch. These waffles look so so good and I d like to try the muffins too. Look so yummy πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Rosa says

    April 19, 2009 at 1:45 am

    Wow, that’s what I call a brunch! Scrumptious!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  3. Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says

    April 19, 2009 at 3:39 am

    Didn’t know that Gale Gand has a brunch book — thanks for the heads-up about that. I loved her Sweet Dreams show. She demystified dessert making in a way that made me feel that a bake-o-phobe like me could actually put together a respectable dessert. I’m going to look up her new book now.

    Reply
  4. Erin says

    April 19, 2009 at 4:21 am

    I feel like I have to go for a run just looking at these pictures. I can only imagine how amazing they would taste! Honestly, I’m sort of happy you didn’t post the recipes as I’d probably be in the kitchen right now frantically whipping them up.

    Reply
  5. VeggieGirl says

    April 19, 2009 at 4:58 am

    I miss Gale Gand so much!! “Sweet Dreams” was an excellent show; and her recipes are fabulous.

    And I know who you’re referring to, about the Jell-O and Cool Whip – her name rhymes with “Shamdra Fee,” right?? πŸ˜‰

    Scrrrumptious waffles and muffins!!

    Reply
  6. chocolatechic says

    April 19, 2009 at 5:17 am

    I loved her. I always watched her when she was on.

    I miss her.

    Reply
  7. Steph says

    April 19, 2009 at 5:18 am

    I totally agree, why does the programming have to suck.. what kind of audience are they trying to attract?!

    The crumb on those muffins look great and the waffles…I need a waffle maker!

    Reply
  8. Danielle says

    April 19, 2009 at 5:54 am

    Looks fantastic! And i agree about the FN programming as well–I have a couple more on my like list than just Tyler, but in general, I have more dislikes than likes…everytime i turn it on it’s some new show that isn’t good…and I TOTALLY agree with you on the person you were referring to…can’t stand it!!!

    Reply
  9. Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia) says

    April 19, 2009 at 6:46 am

    I remember Gale Gand! She is one of the chefs that got me interested in baking. I loved her show. I just saw a rerun of her when she was on Baking With Julia. Also a great show.

    I hate the Food Network. There. I said it.

    Brunch at your place sounds great! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  10. p.l. says

    April 19, 2009 at 6:49 am

    I loved Sweet Dreams too! I wish it was still on.

    Reply
  11. anna says

    April 19, 2009 at 7:26 am

    Ugh, Food Network. Just…ugh. Anyway, those waffles look incredible! I need to check out Gale’s books, I think.

    Reply
  12. Michelle says

    April 19, 2009 at 8:08 am

    I loved Sweet Dreams and really miss the old Food Network programming… not sure who they’re marketing to these days, but they’re losing me fast.

    After this sneak peek (mmm… banana’s foster topping on chocolate pancakes!), this is going on my wish list!

    Reply
  13. Marta says

    April 19, 2009 at 8:22 am

    Thanks for the review Peabody. We never did get Sweet Dreams in Canada, but we have one called Sugar which was pretty good. The host, Ana Olsen, was incredibly awkward in front of the camera, but her desserts were amazing. Every single one of them I tried came out perfectly. Not much left in the Food Network these days… too much fluff! I’m a Jamie fan πŸ™‚

    Reply
  14. Shoshana says

    April 19, 2009 at 8:44 am

    That was my favorite show too! I still have dreams of making the individual baked alaskas she made on the show. They had a half eggshell embedded in the top of the meringue that is filled with alcohol and lit on fire for an amazing presentation!

    Reply
  15. Melinda says

    April 19, 2009 at 8:51 am

    A beautiful way to start the day, I am thinking!

    Reply
  16. Alisa - Frugal Foodie says

    April 19, 2009 at 9:11 am

    OMG, sugar rush brunch! Let me guess, you like chocolate?

    Thanks for the heads up on Gale Gand, I will have to check out some of her recipes!

    Reply
  17. Jessica says

    April 19, 2009 at 9:16 am

    Thank you so much for this post! I second everything that you said and I miss the “old” Food Network, too. I loved Sweet Dreams and I have a couple of GG’s cookbooks that I need to use more often (but her Boston Cream Pie recipe is off the charts!).

    Reply
  18. Irene says

    April 19, 2009 at 9:24 am

    I’ve been eying that chocolate waffle too, but sadly I have no waffle maker. I really enjoyed the book, it made me want to make pretty much everything in it. My next project, when I have a leftover half a loaf of bread, is the baked bread pudding.

    Reply
  19. dawn says

    April 19, 2009 at 11:41 am

    I miss Gale too. You have no idea how excited I would get when her show came on. I would dream of sitting in that sweet shop on those chairs and just watch her. Help out if she wanted. It is sad that the food network makes room for those other dumb shows. I’m glad Ina is there though. And Mario is gone too, why?

    Reply
  20. Collette says

    April 19, 2009 at 11:45 am

    I live in Chicago and for some special occasion, my husband and I went to Tru, the restaurant that Gale Gand owns with her ex-husband Rick Tramanto. The desserts were, as you might imagine, fabulous. And they kept coming. And coming. I remember a cardamom lollipop and some pates de fruits and I remember that they not only served a little plate of chocolates, but they sent us home with a little box. All of this in addition to the actual dessert.

    If you ever come here, I think they still have reservations at Tru for dessert course only. It’s definitely worth it.

    Reply
  21. Hannah says

    April 19, 2009 at 11:55 am

    I do really miss Gale Gand’s show on FN too… Along with Dessert Circus, it was one of the main reasons I would tune in! I’m sure her new book is lovely too.

    Reply
  22. karen says

    April 19, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    i love butter sugar flour eggs, too. i’ve seen some good looking recipes from this book around already. i’m going to have to check it out.

    Reply
  23. bill says

    April 19, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    ‘The sad thing is, no recipes.”

    The book has no recipes?

    Reply
  24. Yum says

    April 19, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    Your brunch seems so tasteful! It would be a pleasure to get up in the morning savouring it all πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  25. cheffresco says

    April 19, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    I don’t even usually like waffles & find myself wanting a bite of these!

    Reply
  26. Elyse says

    April 19, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    I’m definitely giving myself this baking book for Arbor Day. I LOVE Gale Gand. I loved Sweet Dreams, and I’m super sad that it’s not on the air anymore. These waffles and muffins look totally incredible. I’m so glad you posted about these treats; you’ve totally convinced me to get the book πŸ™‚

    Reply
  27. Felice says

    April 19, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    Gale Gand was my favorite too. I have her book on order and can’t wait to get it. I have all of her other books too.

    Reply
  28. Elle says

    April 19, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    An arbor day gift…well of course! This looks like one of those books that is worth every penny. Love the waffle-bannana foster combo. Great photo of the choc muffin, too.

    Reply
  29. Iisha says

    April 19, 2009 at 10:30 pm

    I totally understand what you are saying, and I know the show. Although “Sandra” may be a Godsent for those cooks who only knowing cooking from the FN, for me, she seems very boring…. although I do like her drinks (*hiccup*). If someone asked me who my favorite “cook” was on FN I’d say “Paula”. I think her love for butter is only matched by mine so I have to stand by my “sister in cream”

    Brunch looks wonderful!

    Reply
  30. Meeta says

    April 19, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    bummer! i wanted that recipe for the waffles they look grand.

    Reply
  31. zobars says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:04 am

    I am glad I found your blog. Blog-hopping does pay off. I used to love Gale’s show too. I used to love another show with Jacque Torres (chocolate something was the name ) and I miss them both.

    Reply
  32. Rico says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:53 am

    What a beautiful waffle, really rich and balanced at the same time well done. πŸ™‚ Rico

    Reply
  33. Wendy says

    April 20, 2009 at 4:14 am

    Those chocolate banana waffles are calling my name.

    Reply
  34. veron says

    April 20, 2009 at 5:15 am

    It’s the same for me. Because I have a food blog, folks expect me to watch the food network. Well, I don’t watch it. that chocolate waffle with banana fosters topping sound like a match made in heaven!

    Reply
  35. breadchick says

    April 20, 2009 at 5:33 am

    Now that is a waffle topping!! I wonder how it would taste on the Bacon Waffles I made from the book. I mean rum and pork right?! What more could there be to love…

    Reply
  36. flfarmgirl says

    April 20, 2009 at 5:35 am

    I am sooo glad I did not drool over your brunch ideas over the week-end, since I was all alone. I would have had to have a brunch for one! Definite keeper to do for my next company feed. Your photos are awesome.

    Reply
  37. jiminycub says

    April 20, 2009 at 7:01 am

    I miss Sweet Dreams, it was a great show. Gale is an awesome chef. I have been waiting to get my hands on her Brunch book. It is too bad that Food Network takes off all the chefs so now we get to watch silly blondes open cans and inane giggling women make a fortune by telling us we can cook dinner in half an hour. Sure wish they would dump these people and bring back the real cooks.

    Reply
  38. Julie says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:06 am

    Clearly Gale Gand hasn’t given up on sweets entirely! I would be very happy with those waffles as a breakfast, brunch, dessert, dinner…

    Reply
  39. Jann says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:09 am

    You did this brunch proud~ this is one recipe I would love to make!

    Reply
  40. MyKitchenInHalfCups says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:14 am

    Chocolate Waffles with Banana Fosters Topping . . . so WOW! I want to try everything in this book.
    I can highly recommend the Almond Ciabatta French Toast!!

    Reply
  41. Kristin says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:25 am

    If I could choose one meal to make for company it would be a brunch. I will have to check out Gand’s new book.
    Your blog is wonderful, not only can I tell you are an excellent cook, you are a very creative one. I am learning a lot from reading your posts.

    Reply
  42. Maria says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:33 am

    Bring on the treats for brunch!! Lots of sugary goodness going on, love it!

    Reply
  43. Lynn says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:38 am

    It would be tough choosing between the yummy muffins and that heavenly looking chocolate waffle. I think….both.

    Reply
  44. Kelsey says

    April 20, 2009 at 8:51 am

    I miss Gale Gand, too. The color-coordinated kitchen lady (who will remain nameless because we all know who she is anyway) is no substitute. Those waffles looks great, Peabody!

    Reply
  45. Joelen says

    April 20, 2009 at 9:19 am

    oooh…. these both look fab! I used to live near Gale Gand actually! I lived in Northbrook for a few years and Gale lives in the town over in Riverwoods. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend her book, Chocolate & Vanilla!

    Reply
  46. Sandra says

    April 20, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    “Sweet Dreams” was my favorite show/only reason I watched FN as well! I used to rush home and catch it after school. It was an awesome show πŸ™‚

    Reply
  47. CakeSpy says

    April 20, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    I love Gale Gand…but even more so, I love your sweet desserts, Peabody. I’ll come to one of your brunches ANY time!

    Reply
  48. Jennifer says

    April 20, 2009 at 3:19 pm

    Oh yum, those waffles are going to have to be made. I got a waffle maker as a wedding gift and have been using it just about every day! These sound delicious! I know what you mean about the Food Network. I don’t want to watch showdowns, shortcut foods, and reality tv. I want good, old-fashioned, delicious recipes. Thanks for posting those pictures! I can’t wait to get the book!

    Reply
  49. Kerstin says

    April 20, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    The bananas foster topping looks amazing! And paired with chocolate waffles – wow!

    Reply
  50. Renea(MrsSchoon) says

    April 20, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    Way to make a pregnant girl hungry! I could go for some waffles right now. πŸ˜›

    Reply
  51. SimplePleasure says

    April 20, 2009 at 10:50 pm

    Now I want to buy the book and a waffle maker too!

    I miss Gale Gand too! Luckily, I used to record her shows on VHS and from time to time I get to watch it over and over again.

    I guess they got too famous and busy for their work to do Food Network. The shows there now sucks, very boring, I often fell asleep!

    Reply
  52. Kristen says

    April 21, 2009 at 12:51 am

    I think those waffles should be illeagal before 8am. OMG – they look fantastic!

    Reply
  53. joey says

    April 21, 2009 at 5:11 am

    I remember Gayle Gand! Thanks for the book review…there is another book of her’s I’ve been eyeing πŸ™‚ We don’t celebrate Arbor Day but perhaps I can gift myself with it on “Oh my it’s Wednesday already?!” Day πŸ™‚

    Reply
  54. Mary says

    April 21, 2009 at 5:52 am

    Wow those waffles look amazing! I would say Bobby Flay (when his hair doesn’t look too red) is my eye candy.

    Reply
  55. Donna says

    April 21, 2009 at 7:16 am

    I only one one Gale Gand cookbook, “Just a Bite”. I love it. Fantastic desserts in smaller portions. I love dessert, I don’t have it after every meal, but a special meal isn’t complete without dessert. And Gale’s desserts are very special. I loved that show. Like so many others I really miss the original stars of the Food Network. I wish they would remember what made them great and like Ina go back to the basics.

    Reply
  56. Eliana says

    April 21, 2009 at 8:26 am

    I used to love Gale Gand’s show. Not only is she no longer on but there is nothing on the Food Net like it anymore. I watch a lot of Food Net, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t enjoy what has happened with the programming these days. My favs are Tyler Florence and Ina Garten. I mean do we seriously need 5000 food competition shows. I’m so over them.

    Reply
  57. Holly says

    April 21, 2009 at 10:31 am

    That was by far my favorite show too, and the ones when they had J.Torres on were awesome as well! If I hadn’t already been convinced that I must have this book, you would have done it with this post. Can’t wait!!

    I have to tell you, I just got caught up on your posts and loved them all (especially the one about the dog shows!! – too funny).

    Reply
  58. Kristina says

    April 21, 2009 at 10:48 am

    as Food Network continually makes programming to fit the common denominator, I watch less and read food blogs more! yours is one of my favorites!

    Reply
  59. cath says

    April 23, 2009 at 6:56 pm

    Peabody, thank you so much for this beautiful contribution to the party!

    Reply
  60. Mrs. L says

    April 24, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    I’m sure my husband would understand if I tell him I have to buy a cookbook for myself today in honor of arbor day!

    Reply
  61. Katrina says

    April 25, 2009 at 8:48 am

    When I first became a stay at home mom YEARS ago, Sweet Dreams was the one show I had to watch everyday at 10 a.m.! Loved that and watching Jacques Torres make yummy chocolate stuff. Sigh!
    Awesome to know about her book. She still owns a place or two in Chicago, doesn’t she?

    Reply
  62. cindy says

    April 26, 2009 at 11:42 am

    i loved sweet dreams too! i will definitely have to pick up this book.

    Reply
  63. Lynnley says

    April 26, 2009 at 9:54 pm

    I too love(ed) Sweet Dreams! Our programming down here in NZ is not the same as yours in the States, but we too no longer have anything good to watch. Eye candy is one thing, but I am sick of competitions and not really very interested in cooking dinner – it is just another chore to me.

    Your posts are interesting and the pics are beautiful.

    Thank you for a great blog.

    Reply
  64. Lorelei Craig says

    April 27, 2009 at 12:56 am

    Wowzer, those both look so delicious. Esp. the waffles, so yummy. Thanks again for the photo light suggestion, just got mine.

    Reply
  65. Nutmeg Nanny says

    April 27, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    Anything with Bananas Foster in the title is a sure bet with me! I agree that the changes with the Food Network are not really up my alley. I’m not saying I don’t watch the channel but I’m just not happy with the half the recipes they are trying to pass off. If you ever want to get a good laugh head over to http://foodnetworkhumor.com They do a pretty good job of coming up with stuff to make you laugh about the “chefs” on Food Network.

    Reply
  66. Jaime says

    May 10, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    my favorite breakfast is french toast w/bananas foster topping πŸ™‚

    Reply
  67. kelly c says

    September 17, 2009 at 11:21 am

    I love love love Gale… i remember her show and I thought it was the best show on the network… Although I thought East meets West was good and as for Tyler. YUMMY!
    Im sick of the cake contests and competitions, bring back Gale… i need to get ahold of her cookbooks…
    What i remember the most about watching her show is that i loved the set and the sound of her breaking peanut brittle!

    Reply

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Hi I’m Peabody (yep, that’s my first name) and welcome to my site! Here you will find a whole lot of yummy recipes (mostly baking and dessert), positive body image promotion, telling it like it is, and the random things that make up my life. Thanks for stopping by! Read more...

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