My (Mostly) Make-Ahead Holiday Brunch Menu

Oh, I’ve held a holiday brunch or two in my day . . . in fact, it’s what I bring to the collective family celebrating. My parents host a big Christmas eve dinner, and then on Christmas morning, everyone wakes up, checks out what Santa left in the stockings and then heads to my house for more season’s feasting!  My Favorite Holiday Brunch Ideas (mostly make-ahead!)

I’m not a graceful waker-upper, and on Christmas morn have historically had to manage the chaos and excitement from my little elves  – who are now older and would quite likely sleep through stockings and brunch if you let them, oof! However, despite the luxury of sleeping in a bit, I still like to prep as many of the menu items a day or two ahead. This way, I’m not running around like the Grinch on the most wonderful day of the year. I’m sharing some of my most requested Christmas brunch and holiday breakfast ideas, many of which can be meal-prepped and kept in the fridge or freezer for no-stress holiday entertaining.  Continue reading

Almond Joy Sheet Pan Pancakes (Gluten-free, Vegan, No Added Sugar)

This post is sponsored by Lifeway Kefir as part of a Blogger Recipe Challenge. However, all content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own.

Almond Joy Sheet Pan Pancakes (Gluten-free, Vegan, No Added Sugar) are a quick and easy breakfast idea for the busy fall season and holiday entertaining. Almond Joy Sheet Pan Pancake - gluten free, vegan, no added sugar. Great for meal prep and make-ahead breakfast for a large group.

Sheet Pan Pancakes are ideal for meal-prep, just grab-reheat-and-go or for serving breakfast and brunch crowds when company’s over – there is no standing over a hot skillet, filling pancakes one by one! Read on to get this easy gluten-free and vegan sheet pan pancake recipe: Continue reading

Steak & Waffles with Mango Mint Sauce

Waffles are the way to herald in a really epic weekend. Let’s just say that the details of dozens upon dozens of memory-making weekends are seared into my brain – the ones that started with waffles always ended up beyond wonderful. Steak and Waffles with Mango Mint Syrup

Now my recipe for Steak & Waffles with Mango Mint Sauce sounds incredibly crazy, but it’s amazingly delicious – trust me! Just imagine fluffy-slash-crunchy waffles topped with an unexpectedly exotic sweet-and-savory spin. Read on to get this creative waffle recipe that’s perfect for Mother’s Day brunch.    Continue reading

Upside-Down Cranberry Cornmeal Coffee Cake ( Gluten Free )

Wow, it’s December 1st, time for my (Gluten Free) Upside Down Cranberry Cornmeal Coffee Cake. Keeping it super simple and sweet today as  I have a 26.2 mile road race on Sunday and a chore list that’s even longer than the marathon!Upside Down Cranberry Cornmeal Coffee Cake

Read on the get this yummy breakfast, brunch or dessert recipe and a great tip on storing fresh cranberries: Continue reading

Easy English Muffin French Toast

I came into a windfall of English muffins the other day, and was like “ahhhhhhh.” I haven’t had one of these delicious, bready split rolls in a long, long time and was ready to work them into my weekend. I had a longer run planned for Saturday morning and knew those carbs would do me some good as fuel. So, let’s do this!english muffin french toast close up

But, I also wanted just a bit of protein to balance things out and to make sure I didn’t get the sugar shakes out there on the trail. Giving English muffins a soak in a bath of whisked egg and milk and then pan “frying” was the perfect solution. The signature nooks and crannies and spongy texture of the muffin absorbed all this eggaliciousness and my newly minted English Muffin French Toast was a huge hit and proof that the English and French can get along.      Continue reading