Celebrating The Holiday Season

Remember this movie 

and how hard Ralphie's mother had to work getting him dressed for a snowy day? Think about getting 25 kids ready for wintry weather. 

Today made me think of that movie. I am convinced that one of the biggest challenges a kindergarten teacher faces is not having students know letters, numbers and how to read but be dressed for outside recess in a timely manner.

Both of these kindergartners are definitely ready for Minnesota weather after many minutes of getting dressed. 

__________________________________________________________________

Holiday Brunch

Apple Cran-Raspberry Drink
Cook's notes: Recipe can also be made in a crock pot warmed on low for 1-2 hours
Ingredients:

• 64 oz. apple cider
• 3 cups cran-raspberry drink (I used Ocean Spray)
• 10 whole cloves 
• 5 small cinnamon sticks (3 inch)
• 1 orange

Directions:

• Cut orange in half. Press 5 cloves into each half 
• In a large pan on the stove add all ingredients and two orange halves 
• Warm on low for an hour, stir occasionally
• Remove cinnamon sticks and serve drink in a mug 

Make Ahead Italian Brunch Casserole

Cook's notes: Recipe adapted from myrecipes.com

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. sweet Italian sausage
• 1 cup green onions
• 2 cups diced zucchini
• 1 jar ( 7 oz.)  of roasted red peppers drained and chopped 
• 1 loaf (16 oz.) Italian bread loaf cut in cubes
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese plus 1 cup
• 6 large eggs
• 1-1/2 cups 2 % milk
• 2 tsp.Italian seasoning 

Directions:

• Cook sausage until no longer pink and drain
• Add sausage back to fry pan with onion and zucchini and saute 3 minutes
• Stir in roasted red pepper. Drain and cool
• Spread 4 cups bread cubes in a greased 13 x 9 pan. Top with half of sausage mixture and cheese
• Repeat with remaining bread, sausage and cheese
• Add milk, spices and eggs in a blender
• Pour over bread mixture
• Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over top, cover and refrigerate 8 hours
• Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 50 minutes or until bubbly and center comes out clean using a toothpick 
• Let set 10 minutes before serving