Happy Healthy Families

Save money on your holiday party by having making the party a brunch instead of a holiday dinner party. In "The Frugal Foodie Cookbook," Alanna Kaufman and Alex Small (Adams Media, 2009), have a great point when they suggest that a formal brunch can be every bit as elegant and entertaining as a formal dinner party. And cooking a brunch menu is definitely going to cost less than serving a full course dinner.

There are countless menu possibilities for a holiday brunch party, such as French Toast, Hash Browns, Omelets, and Muffins. Eggs are nutritious and affordable (especially compared to Roast Beef, Hams, and Turkeys,) and can be prepared so many different ways. Mimosas make a great Brunch drink that will save you money compared to wine with dinner.

You can find wonderful and inexpensive egg recipe/brunch menu ideas at the American Egg Board (http://www.aeb.org/).... including omelets, Frittatas, specialty French Toast, specialty scrambles and yummy sounding bakery treats!

Here is one recipe from their website for a prepare ahead Holiday Brunch Recipe (put it all together the night before, and put in oven Christmas morning while presents are being opened!)

Make Ahead Breakfast Strata

Ingredients:

4	slices dense white OR whole grain bread
4	EGGS
1/2	cup milk
1/2	tsp. dried thyme OR oregano leaves
6	slices Canadian-style bacon, chopped
1/2	cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz.)

1. PLACE bread in single layer in greased 8-inch square baking dish.
2. BEAT eggs, milk and thyme in medium bowl until blended; pour over bread. SPRINKLE with bacon. REFRIGERATE, covered, at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight.
3. HEAT oven to 350°F. REMOVE strata from refrigerator; uncover and let stand while oven heats. BAKE in center of 350°F oven 30 minutes. SPRINKLE with cheese. BAKE until puffed, golden and firm in center, about 5 minutes longer.

Tips:
Use any firm bread, doesn't have to be white. Also, this recipe is perfect for using bread that is getting a bit dry.

Add vegetables, meat, and cheeses if desired.