Christmas Brunch

Christmas brunch is my favorite. It’s such a favorite that I have totally neglected Christmas Eve dinner. Matter of fact, I am still trying to figure out what to make Christmas Eve. If you have something you and your family love, please send your ideas my way! 

In return, I’d love to inspire you with thoughts on brunch.

Years ago, I started making Milk Punch on Christmas morning. Mmmm.

The recipe is from the famous Green Pastures restaurant here in Austin. It’s ridiculously delicious and much nicer than Egg Nog.

Green Pastures Milk Punch

3 cups vanilla ice cream * 1 1/2 cups milk * 1/2 cup bourbon * 1/4 cup white rum * 1 jigger brandy * 3 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in blender til smooth. Pop in freezer about 20 minutes. Pour in glasses and grate fresh nutmeg atop.

I’ll also whip up Kristi’s Egg’s Benedict Casserole. I love this recipe because you can prep ahead and its a nice alternative to a traditional egg casserole. The Hollandaise sauce is to-die-for …

Kristi’s Egg Benedict Casserole

Grease a large (deep) pan. Cube  10-12 ounces Canadian bacon and 6 English muffins. Distribute evenly.

Beat: 8  large eggs, 2 c. milk, and 1 t. onion powder. Spread evenly over the muffin/bacon mixture. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Let sit in fridge 8 hours. Bake covered at 375 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. Remove foil, then bake an additional 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven, let stand for 5 minutes.

While the casserole is baking, prepare the Hollandaise sauce. Melt 1 stick of butter. Allow to cool slightly. Then beat 4 egg yolks and add to butter. Beat again. Next add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 T. lemon juice. Beat til smooth. Heat the mixture in microwave for 1 – 2 minutes, beating every 20 seconds. Stir in 1 t. Dijon mustard.

Dribble over plated casserole.

Then I’ll just add a little fresh fruit, espresso (!!) or coffee, and these muffins … 

The Muffin Lady’s Banana Nut Muffins

3 ripe bananas * 1 cup oil * 2 eggs * 1 cup sugar * 2 cups flour * 2 teaspoons baking powder * 1 teaspoon baking soda * 1 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon mace * 1 teaspoon vanilla * 1/2 cup walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place bananas in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until pureed or mashed. Add the oil and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time. Sift the dry ingredients. Gradually add the sifted ingredients. Add the vanilla. Fold in the nuts. Bake in a wax paper lined muffin pan for 30 minutes.

I love these muffins and they taste fabulous with or without a sprinkle of chocolate.

So done and done on the brunch but what to serve for Christmas Eve dinner?