Holiday Entertaining: Breakfast & Brunch

Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. ~Augusta E. Rundel

Today I wanted to share recipes that are perfect for a holiday breakfast or brunch. I will admit that I don't often get to vary breakfast for my husband and kids because they LOVE pancakes, waffles and French Toast. Casseroles or anything too "different" have them making faces before they even try it. Actually, waffles are a newer favorite since they boldly bought me a waffle maker last spring. I love that every family has their favorite breakfast dishes and favorites.

Apple Waffles

Ingredients:

2 cups pancake mix

2 cups milk

2 eggs

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 cup finely diced apples

Beat the milk, eggs, pancake mix and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the apples. Bake in a waffle maker until steam stops. Serve with butter and syrup.

Orange Muffins

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 orange, zest

Glaze:

Juice of 1 orange

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

This recipe makes 18 muffins-- I use a muffin tin with 12 cups, and one with 6 cups. Spray the tins with pan spray or grease. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar together, add eggs and beat well. Add the baking soda to the buttermilk. Sift the flour and salt together. Add the buttermilk and the flour to the first mixture, alternating each one until combined. Using a zester or a grater-- add the zest (skin) of the orange to the batter. Save the orange to juice for the glaze. Pour the batter into the tins, dividing evenly. Bake in a 400 degree F. oven for 15 minutes. Remove and brush the glaze on while they are warm. Glaze: combine the orange juice, sugar and cinnamon together to make the glaze. If it's not thin enough you can use a little water to thin.

Apple Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup melted butter, warm not hot

1/2 cup finely chopped or grated apple

1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup milk

Grease or spray a 9x5 loaf pan. In a large bowl combine the sugar, baking powder, salt, flour, cinnamon and nuts. In another bowl combine the eggs, butter, apple, cheese and milk. Add to the dry ingredients. Pour into the loaf pan. Bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cinnamon Ginger Pancakes

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

2 large eggs

2 1/2 cups buttermilk

4 tbsp. vegetable oil

In a large bowl sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt and spices. In another bowl beat together the eggs, buttermilk, and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until just

moistened. Don't over beat. On a hot griddle that has been coated with pan spray pour 1/4 cup batter. When the top is bubbly flip the pancake over and cook until lightly browned. Butter the pancakes as you remove them to a platter. Serve with maple syrup. Makes 16 pancakes.

Notes: Diced apples are very good added to this recipe.

Do you need more brunch recipes? Try these:

http://oldfashionedliving.com/brunch.html