The Conversation
It’s April, i.e. the best month ever. Why? Because it’s grilled cheese month! Now, you have an excuse to eat an ooey, gooey, melty, cheesy sandwich every day. And if you get tired of the same old sando, don’t worry because we’ve got a solution for you – a sweet spin on a savory grilled cheese. Presenting French Toast Grilled Cheese with ricotta, honey, and strawberries! Yeah, this is happening.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices thick bread (we used cranberry walnut – brioche and challah are also good options)
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup half and half
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
– dash of cinnamon
– 4 large strawberries
– 2 tbsp fresh ricotta
– honey for drizzling
– 1 tbsp butter
First, we’ll start off by making the french toast.
Beat the eggs with the half and half, vanilla extract, and dash of cinnamon until well mixed.
Cut your strawberries into thin slices. Then, dip the bread in the egg mixture, making sure both sides are drenched. Melt the butter in a skillet on medium-low heat. Cook both sides of the bread in the skillet until lightly browned – about two minutes. You don’t want to make it too brown because you’ll be grilling the bread again.
When all the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble! On one piece of bread, layer the ricotta and strawberries, and drizzle with honey. Put the second piece of bread on top to make a sandwich. Put on the skillet again, on medium low heat, until the bottom is brown (about 3 minutes). Repeat for second sandwich.
Eat, enjoy, and maybe follow with a savory grilled cheese ;)
What’s your favorite grilled cheese sandwich? Tell us in the comments below!
Nanette is an all around food enthusiast who loves transforming basic everyday foods into something delicious, and of course, full of sprinkles. You can see more of her at www.nanettewong.com.
More From DIY Recipes
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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