Longtime readers of these pages will know what a sucker I am for breakfast and/or brunch. Whether we’re in the early morning hours or noon on a Sunday or even on a harried weeknight when breakfast for dinner beckons, I’m always game for the most important meal of the day! And when Christmas Day rolls around, I’ve got to admit, I love a hearty meal to get the day started.
That’s a family tradition for me: As a child, I have very distinct memories of my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, making sure her sausage-egg casserole was baking up to par and reminding my grandfather to put another pot of coffee on to perk. Casserole, grits, all the fixings – she did it up right, and I’ve never forgotten this.
All of my grandparents have departed now, celebrating the holidays in the Great Beyond instead. But I can – and do – keep their memories alive through our family traditions!
Some of these recipes would be right at home on the family table of my childhood. Some of them might give my grandparents – solid meat-eaters, all – a bit of pause, or at least a look of bemusement. But I like to think I’d win them over at first bite. After all, I learned from the best!
1. Sausage-Egg Breakfast Casserole.
Now, this is a recipe my grandparents would recognize! I’ve taken my grandmother’s traditional recipe and veggie-cized it, swapping vegetarian sausage, Violife cheddar and Just Egg for the original versions. The final result is so much like what I remember growing up, it would have been perfectly at home on our family’s Christmas breakfast buffet all those years ago! Each year, LeeLee and I look so forward to this casserole – we typically only have it around Christmas or New Year’s Day – and each year, its savory flavors sing. And the best part on a busy Christmas morn? We can make it ahead of time! Win-win!
2. Tofu Rancheros.
Move over, huevos rancheros – your tofu cousins are here to stay! My famous tofu scramble recipe is the star of the show in this dish, which comes together in a snap and is super-easy to make. Double the scramble recipe and feed a crowd – you’re limited only by your tortilla supply!
3. Sausage and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches.
Admittedly, you’ll get the best use out of this recipe if Santa brought you one of those little Hamilton-Beach breakfast sandwich makers, which is a true workhorse in our tiny kitchen! Just Egg and the veggie-sausage (or bacon!) of your choice fuse wonderfully in this sandwich, which takes less than 10 minutes to make and is the perfect way to kick off a Christmas morn.
4. Perfect Plant-Based Protein Shake.
Maybe your holiday festivities start later in the day, complete with a Christmas lunch or dinner. You’ll still want a little something to fortify yourself before the day gets moving! My plant-based protein shake is guaranteed to hit the spot. It’s a go-to in our house for regular days and holidays alike, and will ensure you’re satiated enough to NOT mow down the entire bowl of Aunt Suzanne’s Chex Mix when you first come into the house for a holiday luncheon.
5. Moscato Mimosas.
Oh, come now, you didn’t really think I’d offer all food and no festive cocktail, did you? This moscato mimosa came about by a happy experiment, and it’s become a celebratory staple. Pull out your champagne or wine glasses and get to toasting!
What are some of your favorite holiday recipes or traditions? Let’s hear about it in the comments!
:)
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