Christmas Breakfast Idea: Breakfast Casserole

We all know Christmas dinner is something most of us wait all year for, and if done right, it's certainly worth the wait and effort. Christmas breakfast, though, can be a little different experience.

As a kid, I was always up early on Christmas morning trying to get my family up to open presents. That was enough of a chore, but when I had to wait for my Mom to make coffee, it drove me nuts. Sometimes we had to wait until she made some cinnamon rolls, or else we didn't eat until after all the presents were open.

At some point, though, my Mom started making a breakfast casserole, which I've found to be the perfect Christmas breakfast.

First of all, it's easy and quick to make and can even be assembled ahead of time. Secondly, you can throw it in the oven when you start opening presents and not worry about it until it's done. Thirdly, it's delicious and filling enough to usually keep you going until a mid-afternoon feast.

Ingredients2 bags Simply Potatoes (They're in a green bag in the dairy section, usually by the eggs. I like to use one bag of plain and one of Southwest style, which adds a little flavor)
1 large carton of Egg Beaters (or any egg substitute)
1 package Butterball Everyday pre-cooked turkey sausage patties (This is great, because it keeps it from being greasy)
2 cups shredded cheese, divided (I like Mexican style, but just cheddar will work fine, too)

DirectionsChop up the sausage patties into little pieces and mix everything together in a large bowl, except for some of the cheese. Dump it all into a baking dish or casserole coated with cooking spray. Top with the rest of the cheese. Bake at at least 375 for at least 45-60 minutes. The key is to make sure the eggs are cooked in the middle. If it's not, microwave it until it is, or just be patient with the oven.

NOTE: You may need more eggs. If so, just add them in one at a time until you think everything is the right consistency.

By the way, if you like things like ketchup or hot sauce on your eggs, they'll work here, too.

Christmas Dinner Idea: Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Christmas is quickly approaching, and unfortunately I've fallen behind in my plans to share some dishes that have found a regular place on my family's holiday menu. But just like everything else involved in getting ready for Christmas, better late than never, right? So here goes.

One Christmas a couple decades ago my Aunt Rose Mary introduced us to this recipe. I don't know how often she's made it since, but there's rarely been a holiday dinner since on my side of the family that didn't include Broccoli Cheese Casserole. It's delicious, easy to make and even looks festive with its colors of red, green and gold.

Try it out at your holiday table, and you won't be disappointed. Even folks who are not big broccoli fans usually like it!

Ingredients20 oz. Frozen chopped broccoli

1 can cheddar cheese soup

1 can Italian recipe stewed tomatoes

2 eggs

2 cups Cheddar cheese – shredded, divided

Directions

Cook broccoli until tender and drain.

Beat eggs. Add to soup and tomatoes and mix together. Add broccoli and half of cheese, and mix together. Put mixture into a casserole dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle rest of cheese on top. Bake in a pre-heated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes.

By the way, you can use low fat cheese and soup to make this a little healthier. It tastes just as good.