Brunch Casserole

We took down the Christmas tree this evening and all of the remaining Christmas decor. Mixed emotions of melancholy and relief were filling my heart in the process.

I think our Christmas tree was lovely. We enjoyed watching Claire as she would look upon it with wonder and marvel in it is beauty. Displaying so much joy each morning as we would descend the stairs in anticipation of seeing that tree; and sensing that the delight was only fully complete when the tree was lit.

Life is busy and I expect mine will become much busier in the coming months. Not to mention, we are now in the new year. Therefore, it only made sense to put Christmas away until it is time once again for us to celebrate Christ's birth.

Once we got everything packed away, I was determined to get cleaning. I actually started cleaning on New Year's Eve; but judging by the mess that is still in my office, you would never guess it. Cleaning on New Year's Eve, you ask? Yes, I cleaned because my husband was working. I had no plans. I made Hodge Podge soup for my daughter and myself and after she fell asleep, I worked on that enormous shred pile and started to sort through my office. Back to this evening, though, I vacuumed and dusted the living and dining room, cleaned the kitchen, and put odds and ends away. It was so refreshing to know that I have three rooms of the 11 rooms in our house clean.

Then because I must be SuperWoman, I wanted to get started on preparing Brunch Casserole. Only I realized I am not SuperWoman and asked for my husband's help.

My mother shared with me the recipe for Brunch Casserole. Actually, she prepared it for us before we left for San Diego as an early Christmas celebration. Carl, Claire, and I all really enjoyed it and the best part is it is only about 260 calories per serving. Ok, so that wasn't necessarily the best part; but it made us feel a lot better about indulging in such a delicious meal.

This is how my mother presented brunch. The Brunch Casserole
is on the right. Fresh fruit from Hy-Vee and pastries from Panera Bread.

My parent's dining room decorated for Christmas brunch.
The blue chargers are glass.

I am planning a brunch (hopefully) later this month for the ladies in our Missional Community. I want to serve the Brunch Casserole; but I want to test out the recipe beforehand. Carl and I had considered making it for Christmas morning in San Diego; but lunch was planned for around 12:30 with family and the casserole is quite filling.

Line a greased 9X13 pan with cubed french bread (or another firm bread).



Layer shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions,
green peppers, and tomatoes on top of the bread.



This casserole takes 10 eggs.





  

Eggs are beaten and mixed with milk, chopped parsley,
dry mustard, salt, onion powder, and pepper.

 Then, the egg mixture is poured over the layers;
and crumbled bacon is spread evenly over the top.

The baking dish is then covered and refrigerated overnight (or up to 24 hours).

A post tomorrow will include the recipe and pictures of how this turned out.