Breakfast fare

Published 11:14 am Monday, December 10, 2012

Wake up to breakfast this holiday season. The hustle and bustle of the holidays calls for plenty of entertaining and good food. But in the midst of it all, it’s easy to focus on the feast and forget about a leisurely breakfast to set the holiday mood for the day.

With a little prior planning, a few simple recipes and some make-ahead casseroles, family and holiday guests can wake up to more than just the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

If the holiday feast is going to be an evening meal, a hearty and flavorful brunch can be part of the holiday season.

“Breakfast or brunch is an easy way to entertain any time of the year. It’s simple to prepare and leaves plenty of time to enjoy the company of your guests,” said Lou Mannina of Jeanerette.

Mannina, a member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church Rosary group, said she likes to prepare make-ahead casseroles or one that has little prep time when it is her turn to host the group’s get-together breakfast.

As a mother of nine children, Mannina has picked up a few tips in preparing fast and hearty breakfasts along the way as her children were growing up.

“Breakfast casseroles that can be made the night before and popped in the oven that morning saves time when guests are arriving for an early breakfast or if you have a house full of overnight guests for the holidays,” she said.

“One of my favorites is a Sausage and Egg Casserole that is prepared the night before. That morning all you have to do is pop it in the oven.”

Another of Mannina’s favored, Quick Camp Breakfast” isn’t just for entertaining at the camp

The casserole, baked together with biscuits and eggs in one pan, is a breakfast or brunch dish that is quick to prepare, especially for large crowds, she said.

Shirley Broussard, a longtime contributor to the Cajun Sugar Co-op/The Daily Iberian Cajun / Creole Cookbook, said one-dish breakfast casseroles or casseroles served in individual ramekins can make holiday entertaining easy for anyone with extra guests for the holidays.

Broussard’s Crab Meat and Egg New Orleans Style will have guests asking for seconds.

To add a different flair to the holiday breakfast or brunch menu, try Baked Eggs incorporated with the creamy flavors of Sabra Classic Hummus.

Serve the main dish with savory and sweet sides as well. Sabra offers these options to complete a breakfast menu.

• Homemade rolls or fresh-baked bread. Some dough recipes can be prepared in advance and will rise overnight. Simply stick them into the oven shortly before your baked eggs, then serve with fruit preserves.

• Breakfast potatoes — Quickly sauté with garlic, onions and olive oil while your eggs are baking in the oven.

• Fresh fruit salad — Be sure to slice fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and grapes directly over the bowl so you don’t lose any of the juices. You can prepare fruit salad a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve your guests.

•Toasted baguettes — Slice up a baguette, lightly toast or grill, then serve with warmed Greek yogurt and honey for a sweet treat, or goat cheese and chives for a savory side dish.

By prepping your side dishes and setting your table the day before, you’ll have less to worry about in the morning. Be sure to serve your guests fresh coffee and set out optional fixings, such as milk, creamer, sugar and cinnamon, so they can serve themselves while you finish up in the kitchen.