Well, Christmas is going to look a little different this year. There might not be the big family get-togethers that we are used to, but that doesn't mean that you can't make Christmas memorable for your immediate family.
Morgan, a friend of mine, makes an incredible prime rib dinner on Christmas Eve. She pulls all the Christmas china out, and it's a special dinner just for her family. I love this, and like any good teacher, you steal (aka "borrow") their idea, tweak it, and make it your own. Ha, and that's just what I did!
Our family serves brunch on Christmas morning, and Morgan inspired me to create this cozy brunch for my family, merely the four of us. Just because it is only four people doesn't mean that we don't need to still make it enchanting for our kids...even if I have one teenager and one preteen that is not impressed with Christmas plates! However, I know one day this is what all their childhood memories will consist of, so I am going to keep on trucking with my Christmas plates, music, and fa la la la spirit.
Today, I am sharing some of my favorite brunch recipes with you. These are especially easy and perfect for Christmas because everything can be prepared ahead of time. This way, you can pop all the dishes in the oven, open presents, and then enjoy breakfast or brunch together.
Isn't it these memories that make Christmas so magical for the kids...the excitement, the scents, and just the overall happiness of the feeling of Christmas morning?
From the wise words of Richard Paul Evan, "The smells of Christmas are the smells of childhood." I hope these recipes and smells will become one of your Christmas morning traditions.
Let's get started!
A Cozy Christmas Brunch
I found all these recipes online years ago or were given to me; therefore, I'm just going to show a few pictures of my process. I will have the links to the recipe with all ingredients and instructions.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Casserole
Fry Bacon
Mix Eggs and Milk
Add Ground Mustard and Salt
Cube Regular White Sandwich Bread
Add to the Egg Mixture, Chop Bacon
Add Bacon and Cheese...even though this doesn't look too appealing, I promise this recipe is delicious! Trust me!
Spray a glass dish with Pam.
Pour in, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Bake at 350 for one hour, and it will come out perfect. This is my kiddos' favorite out of all the recipes I'm sharing today.
French Toast Casserole
Warning: You may gain 1,000,000 pounds eating this casserole. BUT HEY...it's Christmas morning!
Mix Eggs, Half and Half, and Milk
Add Spices and Let Sit for a Bit
Slice French Bread (I found that a day old bread is best.)
Spray a glass dish with Pam and stack bread.
Pour Over the Bread
Don't Miss Any Spots!
Cover with Plastic Wrap and Refrigate Overnight.
Now...Here's Where it Gets Good...The Topping!
Two Sticks of Butter (Room Temp)
Add Brown Sugar, Spices, and Pecans
Mix Really Well and Let Sit Out Overnight.
I cover it with plastic wrap.
The Next Morning Smear the Butter Mixture on the Bread.
I found that using your hands is the easiest. In the words of Ina Garden, "A cook's best tools are clean hands!"
Bake at 350 for 40 Minutes.
Warm Up Maple Syrup and You are Set!
Asparagus Rolls
My Aunt Marilyn gave me this recipe years ago, and I absolutely love it. It is a staple for any brunch I serve. Promise, you will love it too!
Fry Bacon
Prep Bread, Cream Cheese, Green Onions, and Asparagus.
The recipe calls for fresh asparagus, but I cheat and just use canned!
Cut off the Crust and Roll Out Bread
Chop Bacon.
In a mixer combine cream cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Spread the Mixture on the Bread
Tip: Don't put too much of the cream cheese on the bread. It will make the bread soggy. Just a thin layer will do!
Add Asparagus and roll up. Place on a Foiled Cookie Sheet.
Cover with Plastic Wrap and Refrigerate.
The next morning melt butter. Brush each roll with butter and add parmensan cheese to the top.
Bake at 400 for about 10 to 15 Minutes...then Watch Them Disappear!
Finally...any Good Brunch Can't End without Dessert!
Tip: Set out all dishes and let me get to room temperature before adding to the oven. If your glass dishes are too cold, they may break in a hot oven. I may or may not know this from experience! (wink)
We hope you are able to try one or all of these recipes for your Christmas morning. If you try one, please send us pictures to our Instagram account @theoldrivernest. We would love to see it!
Wishing you a very Merry Tuesday,
Amber & Brooke :)
