My Family's Holiday Breakfast

Holidays are an eating time, that's for sure! There is the big meal of course, but there are all of the other things that some people, usually those not involved in hosting, don't think about such as appetizers, general snacks, and meals for out of town guests. Christmas morning, especially if you have children in the house is a really crazy time to try to prepare food.
Growing up, we always had the yummiest coffee cake in the world for holiday breakfasts, made by my mom. She still makes two every year, one for my house and one for my sister's. At Kathleen's house, she's added a scrumptious made-ahead breakfast casserole that just gets warmed up, the recipe coming from her husband's family. It makes the holiday special, and it's easier on parents than whipping up pancakes or eggs while trying to do all the work for Christmas dinner as well. Here are the recipes for the Evil Overlord's Breakfast, neither of which I have ever made myself, but I've certainly been served at least 35 times!

Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake

In a large bowl, mix together ½ cup shortening 1 cup sugar Add 1 tsp vanilla 2 eggs

In a separate bowl combine 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt

Add flour mixture into wet mixture alternating with ½ pint sour cream. Beat well.
Spread ½ batter in greased tube pan.
Sprinkle ½ topping mixture & nuts.
Add the rest of the batter, sprinkle t he rest of the topping & nuts.
Cut through the batter with a knife to spread the cinnamon.
Bake 45 minutes at 350.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping
2/3 cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
½ cup chopped nuts of choice, we like walnuts

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

3 cups shredded cheddar 3 cups shredded mozzarella 1/3 cup sliced green onions 1/2 cup chopped red pepper 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups diced cooked ham 8 eggs

1 3/4 cups milk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons minced parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Combine cheeses; place 3 cups in an un-greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish and set aside.
In a medium skillet, saute mushrooms, onions and red pepper in butter until tender; drain.
Place over cheese; top with ham.
Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
In a bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, flour, parsley, basil, salt and pepper; mix well.
Slowly pour over the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.