our christmas brunch

 What a fantastic time I had with my family!  They are so much fun.  When we get together its all about the drinks and movie quotes.  My husband and my sister's boyfriend can hardly get a word in with all of our loud talking and crazy laughter.  I've hosted the past couple of years and was a little reluctant this year because of the baby, but I went ahead with it anyways.  My plan of attack for cleaning was to start a few days prior to the party.  Day 1:  dust.  Day 2:  swiffer & bathroom.  Day 3:  kitchen floor, pick up toys, light candles and add finishing touches.  It worked like a charm!  My sister and mom are amazing and brought all the food - we had the perfect brunch menu:

• sausage & egg casserole.
• stuffed mushrooms.
• veggies & dip.
• shrimp w/ cocktail sauce.
• spicy meatballs.
• christmas cookies.

The first two are recipes that I absolutely have to share!

Sausage + Egg Casserole

 

Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray.  Spread 3 cups of frozen hashbrowns on the bottom, then add salt & pepper.  Layer 1 lb. browned sausage (or any other meat you want to use).  Layer 1/2 cup each of green or red pepper and onion.  Layer 12 oz. shredded cheddar cheese.  Mix 12 eggs with 2 cups of milk and pour over all layers.  Bake @ 350 for 50 minutes.  (Can be made up the night before but doesn't have to be.)

 

Stuffed Mushrooms

 

1 lb. bacon

8 oz. cream cheese

1/2 pound cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)

5 lbs. white mushrooms

 

 

Let cream cheese soften a bit.  Fry up bacon and crumble.  Blend cream cheese and cheddar cheese together - add bacon bits to mixture.  Clean mushrooms and cut out stems.  Fill the mushrooms and place on a foil lined baking sheet.  Bake @ 350 for 40 minutes.

 

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Along with the incredible food (and much more important), the drinks were out of this world.  My dad bartended and that man can whip up an amazing bloody mary.  We use Mr. T's bloody mary mix, a splash of V8, some woosteshire sauce (must be Lee & Perrin's) and ground pepper.  Garnish with an olive, a lime wedge and a stalk of celery.  Perfection!  As for the mimosas, we ended up buying a pre-made bottle that was the best $14 we ever spent.  Seriously, best drink I've ever tasted.  If you live near a Meijer they have it there - I've not seen it anywhere else at this point.

A fun morning with a fun family.  Love you guys to the moon and back!