Ok so I am combining two ’30-while-30′ dishes into one post because that’s how we enjoyed them.  I think this actually makes a really good breakfast combination – the sweetness of the french toast can be a little overwhelming, but with the spicy sausage by its side it was just about perfect.  I fell in love with cinnamon bun french toast at a little cafe in Wayne, PA called ‘Nudy’s’ – it’s not what you think, it’s actually a very sweet little gourmet breakfast cafe with a lovely outdoor seating section and to-die-for eggs benedict and french toast.  My favorite dish has always been the cinnamon bun french toast – it’s super healthy, obviously, but absolutely delicious.  We once drove from Philly 40 minutes each way just to have this for breakfast.  (As I write this from New England, I am debating driving 5 hours just for cinnamon bun french toast.  It’s that good.)  This recipe was a close-enough approximation – it’s not quite the same, mostly because I used those cinnamon rolls that come out of a tube from the grocery store, so the french toast pieces were very small.  However, they did have the flavor pretty spot-on.

I made turkey sausage because my husband loves all manners of breakfast sausage however I never know exactly what goes into most commercially available sausages so I nearly never order it or buy it when I’m out.  One thing is for sure, I’m sure that long list of ingredients contains some things that are not all good.   I figured making my own I would know exactly what went into it, and therefore would also know that it’s not sooooo bad for me.  It basically just requires a package of lean ground turkey and some spices, and poof you have breakfast sausage.  I personally added more spices than the recipe called for and it was delicious.  If you really wanted to fuss with casings and whatnot, be my guest, but we figured making sausage patties was the way to go.

Cinnamon Bun French Toast

Adapted from Pillsbury.com

• 1 tube of ready-to-bake cinnamon buns
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cups milk

Bake cinnamon buns according to package directions.  Let buns cool, then slice in half crosswise.  Beat together eggs and milk.  Dip each cinnamon bun half in the egg mixture, allowing it to sit for several seconds to absorb.  Cook over medium heat until the slices appear golden.  Drizzle with frosting and enjoy!

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Adapted from Judy, via allrecipes.com

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well.  Create small patties.  Cook over medium heat until all the pink is gone from the meat.  Enjoy!