New Year's Brunch

 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

Enjoy some new brunch recipes from Ever Ready
Part One 

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Cook's Notes: This overnight Bisquick breakfast caserole is loaded with sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, cheese, and mushrooms. The recipe serves 8-10. The sausage and bacon can be made ahead as a time saver. I added an orange to the brunch as it is a symbol of good luck in many cultures. I used a 12 x 8 baking dish, and the casserole was high when baked, though a 13 x 9 could work adjusting baking time. The mixture is quite liquidy but solidifies when cooked.   

Another option for an add-in is 1-1/2 cups cooked wild rice. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked sausage crumbled 
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked, drained on a paper towel and crumbled 
• 1/2 cup mini bell peppers, red and orange, diced
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced mushrooms 
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups 2% milk
• 1 cup Bisquick
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 2 teaspoons Elote seasoning 
• 1 small can of green chiles, drained and patted dry on a paper towel  

Directions:

• Grease the baking pan and set aside.
• Cook meats and set aside.
• Saute onions, peppers, and mushrooms in a fry pan. 
• Mix eggs, milk, Bisquick, melted butter, seasonings, and green chiles in a blender.
• Add bacon and sausage to the liquid mixture. Pour into the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. 
• When ready to bake, let sit out on the counter until room temperature, 45 minutes. 
• Bake uncovered for 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.  

Caprese Green Bean Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cook's Notes: The ingredients of this salad depend on how many servings are needed. I started with 1 lb. fresh green beans, which served six when other ingredients were added. The secret to this salad is blanching green beans just until crisp-tender.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. fresh green beans
• Small mozzarella balls (deli section) 
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion slices
• Chopped pistachios
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Directions: 

• Fill a large bowl with ice cubes. Place water in a pot, adding in one teaspoon of sea salt, and bring to a boil. Add beans and boil for four minutes. Drain a colander and immediately add to the bowl of ice cubes. Let rest for three minutes. Place beans on a towel and pat dry.
• Add beans, onion slices, cheese, and chopped tomatoes in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle nuts on top. Drizzle with vinaigrette right before serving. 

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cook's Notes:

The dressing is thick after being refrigerated. Serve it at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 tablespoons dark balsamic vinegar
•  1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
•  4 teaspoons maple syrup
•  1/2 teaspoon sea salt
•  4 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

• Place all ingredients in a blender. Mix well and refrigerate in a small covered container. 

Up Next Part Two 

Gingerbread Trifle and a festive drink