Christmas Brunch

For Christmas Brunch, Leigh Ann and I were determined to do something other than the usual bread, meat and egg casserole. However, after an exhaustive search and deliberation process, we settled on a new twist of the old casserole because (a) it easily feeds a crowd (b) it's easy to transport on Christmas morning (c) it can be made in advance (d) everybody likes it.

We were pretty delighted with what we had, a cheesy apple bacon strata. The recipe came from my friend DeAnna, who scanned it from Celebration of Seasons from the Dallas Jr. League. The apple and bacon made it just a bit different from the ham or sausage varieties we've had before, but it was easy to assemble on Christmas Eve and bake on Christmas morning.

Cheesy Apple Bacon Strata

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and coarsely chopped (3 cups)

3 tablespoons brown sugar

4 cups cubed firm bread (7 slices)

1 pound bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

2 1/2 cups milk

5 eggs

1 tablespoon dry mustard

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in the brown sugar. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally.

Layer the bread, bacon, apple mixture and cheese 1/2 at a time in a greased 2-quart baking dish. Combine the milk, eggs, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well. Pour over the layers.

Chill, tightly covered for 2 to 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serves 12.

I seeded two pomegranates, and Mom cut up a bunch of oranges for a spinach salad with pecans and walnut oil vinaigrette.

Roasted asparagus and some amazing cheese grits (recipe to come soon, I hope!) joined my sister's homemade scones (three different flavors) to make a lovely plate and a wonderful meal.  

With my aunt and uncle here from Tallahassee, Mom in from Quincy, and some church friends who feel like family, it was a very merry Christmas indeed.