"The Gables' Strawberry Soup".  Using frozen strawberries, this breakfast “soup” is particularly nice in the winter when fresh fruit is not plentiful.  Frozen peaches can be substituted for the strawberries to create "Peach Soup".

"Caramel French Toast". This adaptation of French toast can easily be made the night before for brunch the following morning.  It's good with a medley of strawberry slices, blueberries, peaches and sliced bananas.  Serving sausages, ham or bacon alongside the French toast balances the sweetness resulting in an outstanding meal.

The Gables' Strawberry Soup

• 3 cups frozen strawberries, partially thawed
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup white wine or champagne
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 Tbls orange liquer (i.e. Grand Marnier)

Makes approximately 4½  cups. 

Caramel French Toast

• 8 slices French or Sourdough bread, at least 1" thick
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 Tbls white corn syrup or any type maple syrup
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Grease a 9 x 13" pan with oil.  Cook brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup over low flame until bubbly, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.  Pour evenly into prepared pan.  Place bread slices on top of caramel mixture.  In blender, whip eggs, milk and vanilla thoroughly and pour evenly over bread.  Cover with foil "tent", on which underside has been sprayed with oil to keep bread from sticking when it puffs up during cooking.  Let stand at least one hour, or make the night before and refrigerate.  Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. 

Very carefully, invert onto baking sheet and gently separate into pieces.  Serve with sour cream, unsweetened whipped cream or crème fraiche and fresh fruit. 

Serves 8.

About The Gables Wine Country Inn

The Gables resides in a spacious and beautiful Victorian mansion that was built in 1877 and wonderfully restored.  Located in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country with spectacular vineyard and valley views it is truly one of our favorites.  They have a variety of rooms including suites and a private cottage hideaway.   Completing your visit is their outstanding breakfasts consisting of multiple courses meticulously prepared.