It’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

(Family Features) Start Mother’s Day off right with a beautiful breakfast in bed. A pretty tray set with some of the good dishes and real linens, a fresh flower, and some delicious food will put a smile on mom’s face that will last all day.

Golden Sunrise French Toast is made extra special with evaporated milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Make sure you use firm bread so the toast doesn’t end up soggy.

If she loves eggs, making Scrambled Eggs with a little evaporated milk gives them such a creamy texture that she’ll want to eat them this way all the time. Add one tablespoon of evaporated milk for each egg used.

Pour her a Mock Mimosa by mixing sparkling lime juice or ginger ale to orange juice. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim of the glass.

For more delicious ways to surprise mom on her special day, visit www.TheCookingMilk.com.

Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

Gold sunrise surprise

Prep: 10 minutes
Cooking: 10 minutes
Makes 4 to 5 servings

Ingredients:
2 large eggs
1 can (12 fluid ounces) NestlČ Carnation Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4  teaspoon salt
8 to 10 slices (3/4-inch-thick) firm, day-old French bread
Unsalted butter
Maple syrup
Fresh seasonal berries or sliced fruit

HEAT large skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.

BEAT eggs in shallow pan or large pie plate; whisk in evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Whisk in sugar, flour and salt. Add several slices of bread; soak without over saturating.

SWIRL 1 tablespoon butter in hot skillet. Remove bread from batter, allowing excess batter to drip off; transfer prepared bread to skillet in single layer. Cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Turn over; cook for an additional 2 minutes or until golden. Serve immediately with syrup and berries. Continue with remaining bread slices, adding 1 tablespoon butter to skillet for each new batch.

Nutrition Information per serving: 450 calories; 120 calories from fat; 14g total fat; 7g saturated fat;  0g trans fat; 140mg cholesterol; 680mg sodium; 67g carbohydrate; 3g fiber; 28g sugars; 15g protein; 15% DV vitamin A; 6% DV vitamin C; 30% DV calcium; 15% DV iron