I need help with my Xmas Brunch!

justkris10

This year, our first Xmas as a married couple, I have offered to do a Xmas day brunch at our house.  I'm guessing it'll be for around 7 or 8 adults and 2 children total

Can you send me your favorite brunch ideas and recipes and even some pointers on throwing a successful holiday brunch (this is my first time).

Thanks ladies

Temp23782687501318

I made both of these for my family the other day and they were both hits!

http://simplegoodness-mandy.blogspot.com/2009/11/goose-n-berry-inn-baked-french-toast.html

http://simplegoodness-mandy.blogspot.com/2009/11/hash-brown-quiche.html

kathi512

For our breakfast brunch we always do a spiral ham, hard-boiled eggs or devilled eggs, croissants, pasta salad, fresh fruit. You want to stay away from anything like pancakes or waffles (unless you have the guests make them themselve) just because you want to be able to enjoy it without spending all your time in the kitchen. We do a breakfast brunch every year & the best thing about it is that it's low key. It's not crazy & stressful like a dinner. Everyone usually brings a dish & just mingles. Enjoy the time with your family & friends.

SA7206

I have some recipes at home that I can share.

Off topic, your wedding dress is absolutely gorgeous.

 

TheDuckis

Monkey Bread!

This is a Christmas morning tradition in my house. 

Otherwise, I'd probably keep it lightish on food options, especially if there's a large dinner that night. The monkey bread is heavy enough that most people will be stuffed after a few pieces. I would have plenty of fruit, and maybe some breakfast bars or something for not-so-sweet option.

Also make sure to have fun drinks like peppermint hot chocolate, eggnog, etc.

Butter Cookie

I'd go with a ham and asparagus frittata myself. Maybe mini frittatas, because it's more finger-foody. You could get creative.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/frittata-recipe/index.html <you could use this recipe but brush mini muffin tins with butter (or pam, like I do) and pour in there, have some fresh fruit (grapes, etc) maybe some small potato pancakes w/ sour cream and/or apple sauce

Stucas

my grandmother always made donuts. It was a very long process but recently my mom told me about these and they are fabulous (and I feel quilty because they taste very similar to my grandmothers)! They only take like 20 minutes to make an entire tube.

Mrs.Thistletwat

My MIL made an amazing french toast casserole. Make layers out of egg dipped bread, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on each layer, bake. Wallah! Deliciousness that can be set out and you don't have to stay in the kitchen making it.

joelen&louis

A link from my blog/website:

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

What I did for Christmas Brunch last year (albeit small):

Christmas Day Brunch

 

 

justkris10

SA --> Thank you for the compliment

 Everyone else - these ideas are fab! thank you.  Although I do want it to be low key as far as no hassle like dinner, I do want to do it "big" as far as really special dishes, of course I'll have fruit and whatnot but I do want to have fritatta, caserole (sounds great), ham and egg dishes as well

 good pointer about the pancakes -- maybe I'll make potato pancakes as suggested that's a great idea...and of course, monkey bread! why didn't I think of that

 How about suggesting fun alcoholic and non-alcoholic brunch drinks!!

L_Woods

We always have corn flake casserole.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/potato-casserole/Detail.aspx

 

For drinks - mimosas, you could do cranberry or blood orange for a festive red color. (Blood orange is yummy too). Also, a peppermint hot chocolate. There are some great recipes under the wine and cocktail section at www.foodandwine.com for hot chocolate with and without liqour.

TheDuckis

I'm all about peppermint hot chocolate. You can spike it with Baileys or straight whiskey. Using peppermint sticks as stirrers makes it fun...and you can make non-alcoholic versions for the kids with no problem.

Mimosas are also a great idea. 

I also love hot toddies, though those might be more of a nighttime drink. 

TarHeels&Rebels

This quiche was a huge hit at Easter.  I make it for dinner some nights. 

Mimosas or Bloody Marys for drinks.

KoCoLoCo

For our Christmas brunch I am making:

2 kinds of quiche, Sausage Patties, Hashbrown, Eggnog French Toast with Cranberry-Apple Compote, Fruit Salad, and Pear and Cherry Frangipane Cake

For drinks:  My secret weapon hot cocoa, coffee, and Cranberry-Vanilla Mimosas

SA7206

KoCoLoCo:

For our Christmas brunch I am making:

2 kinds of quiche, Sausage Patties, Hashbrown, Eggnog French Toast with Cranberry-Apple Compote, Fruit Salad, and Pear and Cherry Frangipane Cake

For drinks:  My secret weapon hot cocoa, coffee, and Cranberry-Vanilla Mimosas

This menu sounds amazing. My mouth is watering.  Can you share the recipes?

KoCoLoCo

SA7206:

This menu sounds amazing. My mouth is watering.  Can you share the recipes?

Sure, the quiche, sausage, and hashbrowns are just run of the mill.  For fruit, I will probably do kiwi, blackberries, and nectarines with fresh mint.  The other recipes are from epicurious:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Eggnog-French-Toast-with-Cranberry-Apple-Compote-105976

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pear-and-Dried-Cherry-Frangipane-Cake-108972 (if you make this cake, it makes it awesome if you double the almond topping and soak the cherries in brandy before baking)

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/drink/views/Cranberry-and-Vanilla-Bean-Mimosas-233380

Hot Cocoa:

1 1/3 cup boiling water, 4oz good quality dark chocolate, 2 2/3 cup milk, 2 cups espresso or strongly brewed coffee, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 or 2 strips of orange peel

Mix the boiling water and the chocolate until the chocolate melts, then add the rest of the ingredients and wisk over med heat until really warm (about 5 minutes), but be careful to to boil it.  Serve w/ a dollop of real whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.