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 it in to an all orange kitchen. Bitter? Perhaps I am a tad. 😉 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
snooky doodle says
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 🙂
Rosa says
Wow, that’s what I call a brunch! Scrumptious!
Cheers,
Rosa
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
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.
Erin says
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.
VeggieGirl says
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?? 😉
Scrrrumptious waffles and muffins!!
chocolatechic says
I loved her. I always watched her when she was on.
I miss her.
Steph says
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!
Danielle says
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!!!
Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia) says
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! 🙂
p.l. says
I loved Sweet Dreams too! I wish it was still on.
anna says
Ugh, Food Network. Just…ugh. Anyway, those waffles look incredible! I need to check out Gale’s books, I think.
Michelle says
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!
Marta says
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 🙂
Shoshana says
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!
Melinda says
A beautiful way to start the day, I am thinking!
Alisa - Frugal Foodie says
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!
Jessica says
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!).
Irene says
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.
dawn says
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?
Collette says
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.
Hannah says
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.
karen says
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.
bill says
‘The sad thing is, no recipes.”
The book has no recipes?
Yum says
Your brunch seems so tasteful! It would be a pleasure to get up in the morning savouring it all 😉
cheffresco says
I don’t even usually like waffles & find myself wanting a bite of these!
Elyse says
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 🙂
Felice says
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.
Elle says
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.
Iisha says
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!
Meeta says
bummer! i wanted that recipe for the waffles they look grand.
zobars says
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.
Rico says
What a beautiful waffle, really rich and balanced at the same time well done. 🙂 Rico
Wendy says
Those chocolate banana waffles are calling my name.
veron says
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!
breadchick says
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…
flfarmgirl says
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.
jiminycub says
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.
Julie says
Clearly Gale Gand hasn’t given up on sweets entirely! I would be very happy with those waffles as a breakfast, brunch, dessert, dinner…
Jann says
You did this brunch proud~ this is one recipe I would love to make!
MyKitchenInHalfCups says
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!!
Kristin says
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.
Maria says
Bring on the treats for brunch!! Lots of sugary goodness going on, love it!
Lynn says
It would be tough choosing between the yummy muffins and that heavenly looking chocolate waffle. I think….both.
Kelsey says
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!
Joelen says
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!
Sandra says
“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 🙂
CakeSpy says
I love Gale Gand…but even more so, I love your sweet desserts, Peabody. I’ll come to one of your brunches ANY time!
Jennifer says
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!
Kerstin says
The bananas foster topping looks amazing! And paired with chocolate waffles – wow!
Renea(MrsSchoon) says
Way to make a pregnant girl hungry! I could go for some waffles right now. 😛
SimplePleasure says
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!
Kristen says
I think those waffles should be illeagal before 8am. OMG – they look fantastic!
joey says
I remember Gayle Gand! Thanks for the book review…there is another book of her’s I’ve been eyeing 🙂 We don’t celebrate Arbor Day but perhaps I can gift myself with it on “Oh my it’s Wednesday already?!” Day 🙂
Mary says
Wow those waffles look amazing! I would say Bobby Flay (when his hair doesn’t look too red) is my eye candy.
Donna says
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.
Eliana says
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.
Holly says
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).
Kristina says
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!
cath says
Peabody, thank you so much for this beautiful contribution to the party!
Mrs. L says
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!
Katrina says
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?
cindy says
i loved sweet dreams too! i will definitely have to pick up this book.
Lynnley says
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.
Lorelei Craig says
Wowzer, those both look so delicious. Esp. the waffles, so yummy. Thanks again for the photo light suggestion, just got mine.
Nutmeg Nanny says
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.
Jaime says
my favorite breakfast is french toast w/bananas foster topping 🙂
kelly c says
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!