The shopping is done, the tree is lit, and now it’s time to focus on the most important part of the holiday season – family. Christmas Day is a time for soaking up all that family love, and nothing says love like a home cooked meal made from the heart. These easy to make recipes are perfect for making a quick Christmas Day brunch for your family that they will enjoy almost as much as spending time with you. So break out the matching pajamas – and the coquito – and get into this delicious family brunch to enjoy the holiday season.
Eggnog French Toast
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups Eggnog
4 eggs
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice
12 Slices of Bread (Challah or French bread work best)
Butter/ Vegetable Oil for cooking
DIRECTIONS: Whisk eggs, eggnog and spices together in a mixing bowl. Pour in a shallow pan. Heat skillet or large sauté pan on medium heat. Once heated lightly grease with butter or oil. Doing one slice at a time, dip bread in eggnog mixture making sure each side is coated thoroughly. Place coated bread in skillet. Turning over once browned. Repeat until all bread slices are cooked. Serve immediately.
Sweet Potato & Spinach Frittata
INGREDIENTS
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 medium Onion
1 clove Garlic, minced
2 medium sized Sweet Potatoes, small dice
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
3 cups Spinach
6 eggs
1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Salt & Pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: Heat a large sauté pan to medium heat. Add 2 T of oil and onions. Cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add diced sweet potatoes. Continue to stir occasionally for about 6 minutes. While potatoes are cooking- whisk together eggs, milk, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in mixing bowl. To the skillet- add minced garlic and spinach. At this point add in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once spinach has wilted and potatoes are cooked through- pour egg mixture into skillet. With a rubber spatula, lightly mix eggs with potatoes, making sure all is evenly dispersed. Sprinkle with cheese and place pan into oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes- once it starts to raise in center it is done. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Maple & Black Pepper Glazed Bacon
INGREDIENTS
3/4 lb Thick Cut Smoked Bacon (about 16 slices)
2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
Black Peppercorns in Grinder or Pepper-mil
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange one layer of bacon slices on a baking rack that fits in top of a cookie tray. Cook bacon in the oven for 15 minutes or until the bacon starts to brown. Carefully remove pan from oven. Brush bacon with maple syrup. Place in oven for an additional 4 minutes. Remove bacon from oven, sprinkle with cracked black pepper. Cool for 3 minutes before serving.
