New Year’s Eve is nice, but we’re mostly excited about New Year’s Morning this year–mainly because it’ll give us a chance to make up for how we bungled the Christmas Breakfast. We’ll spare you the details, but not all of us made great use of Mrs. Claus’ checklist. We’ve got our act together for New Year’s morning, though–and so can you, if you just take this opportunity to learn from our mistakes… [photo via flickr]
Foods to Make the Day Before
There is no need to get out of bed before the sun comes up to prepare a feast fit for a king on New Year’s Day. Many breakfast foods can be prepared the day before and reheated quickly for a banquet-style meal. Foods like scrambled eggs, pancakes, and French toast can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator. Eggs can be reheated in the microwave quickly and pancakes and French toast reheat well in the toaster.
Breakfast casseroles are another option, and can be prepared the day before. Include eggs, sausage, ham, vegetables and cheese for a hearty all-in-one meal that reheats quickly in the oven or microwave.
Yogurt is an all-time favorite breakfast food kids of all ages love. Buy plain yogurt and slice strawberries and bananas ahead of time to add to it. Set out nuts and granola for added flavor.
Here is a tasty breakfast casserole that can be prepared ahead of time.
Bacon, Potato and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
4 slices thick bacon, cut into strips about 1/2-inch wide
1 large yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 yellow bell pepper, cleaned out and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons salt, divided
8 large eggs
1 cup milk, fat content between 1% and 4% (whole)
1 teaspoon fresh-cracked black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups frozen diced potatoes, unthawed
Directions
Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9″ baking dish with baking spray or olive oil.
Put the bacon slices in a large skillet and turn the heat on to medium. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp. Add the onion, yellow bell pepper, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon of salt, and cook over medium heat until all the vegetables are fragrant and soft — about 5 more minutes. Turn off the heat and let cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly and whisk in the milk. Whisk in the remaining teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper. Stir in the cheese, frozen potatoes, and the bacon and vegetables from the skillet. (Don’t worry; the frozen potatoes cook just fine!) Pour the whole mixture into the prepared baking dish. (At this point the casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)
When you are ready to bake the casserole, bake for 40 minutes, or until the eggs are firm and the top is slightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Serve immediately with fruit and rolls or toast or store in refrigerator and reheat.
Make it a Family Event
If a banquet-style breakfast is what you desire on New Year’s Day, make it a family event. Give everyone a job to do in preparing the meal. Younger children can butter the toast while older children reheat things in the microwave. Put someone in charge of pouring beverages, while someone else organizes the dishes and silverware. Working together as a family to prepare the meal brings everyone together for a great start to the New Year.
