Outside the Snow is Falling and Friends are Calling

(ARA) - It is that time of year when holiday parties and celebrations abound. If you are looking for ways to enjoy the festivities, but avoid the hectic holiday scheduling, why not serve brunch. A breakfast or brunch celebration is a perfect solution for families that have more than one stop to make for the holidays.

Hosting a holiday brunch that works for everyone is easy. Decide if a buffet or sit-down meal works better for guests. If guests are coming at different times or if limited space is available, a buffet usually works best. When planning a buffet menu, include savory dishes by using recipes that guests can serve themselves, such as an egg casserole. Home-made dishes are usually healthier and make guests feel right at home.

When planning the party, allow for time to enjoy the company of family and friends that are visiting -- do not spend the entire party in the kitchen. Think ahead and select dishes that can be prepared the night before, like an egg strata that you can pop in the oven the next morning. Set the table and organize necessary serving pieces to avoid last-minute scrambling. If you are serving homemade bread and rolls, bake them the day before so the oven is available for the main dishes.

Family and friends are what make the holidays bright. Do not miss the joy of the season stuck in the kitchen. When hosting a holiday gathering, plan ahead and choose easy and delicious recipes, so everyone can enjoy the spirit of the season. For holiday breakfast and brunch recipes visit www.incredibleegg.org.

Here's a tasty recipe you may want to try:

Benedict Strata
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:
1 package (12 oz.) English muffins
6 slices (4 oz.) Canadian bacon, chopped
6 eggs
1 1/2 cup skim milk
2 Tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Chives, optional
Halved lemon slices, optional

Directions: Split muffins and cut into cubes. Alternate even layers of muffin cubes and ham in lightly greased 8x8x2 inch baking dish.

In medium bowl, beat together remaining ingredients (except chives) until well blended. Pour evenly over muffin-ham mixture. Cover. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Uncover. Bake in preheated 350 F oven until golden brown and knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Garnish with chives and lemon slices, if desired.

Courtesy of ARAcontent