Holiday Brunch

 

Holiday Brunch at The Readys

Last-minute brunch ideas adding joy to your entertaining. Ring in the holidays with a showstopper dessert. 

Amaretto Tortoni

Cook's Notes: I substituted crumbled almond joy cookies since the bakery was out of coconut macaroons. Check out the link below for the recipe. Amaretto Tortoni would also make a festive New Year's dessert. 
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2020/12/holiday-brunch-part-three-wrap-up.html

Pecan Ham Wild Rice and Pecan Tart

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2013/06/brunch-food.html

Southwestern Casserole

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/01/weekend-round-up_30.html

Another great brunch option

Asparagus, Bacon, and Roasted Red Peppers with Swiss Cheese Strata

Cook's Notes: Fresh asparagus combined with bacon and roasted red peppers mixed with tart Swiss cheese make this a real crowd-pleaser. It's an easy make-ahead egg breakfast dish. 

Use a dense, firm bread, e.g., French or sourdough. The recipe was adapted from BHG  and serves 8-10.

Ingredients:  

• 10 strips of bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and chopped 
• 1 cup sweet onions, diced
• 2-1/2 cups diced asparagus, cut in 2-inch lengths 
• 1 cup bottled roasted red sweet peppers, drained, chopped, and patted dry on a paper towel 
• 8-10 cups torn bread cubes 
• 3 cups shredded Swiss Cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 3 cups milk (I used 2%)
• 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon each of Italian seasoning and parsley flakes

Directions:

• Lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. 
• Fry bacon, and in the last few minutes, add in chopped onions. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. 
• Combine bacon, onions, asparagus, and red peppers in a medium bowl.
• Place half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the bacon mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat layers with remaining bread cubes, bacon mixture, and cheese.
• Beat eggs with milk, mustard, spices, salt, and cayenne pepper in a blender. Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the dish. Using the back of a spoon, gently press down on layers to moisten all of the bread. Cover dish with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours or overnight. 
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until puffed, golden, and set. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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Check back December 31 for a Year in Review of the 12 most popular recipes from Ever Ready