Strawberry Christmas Tree

Strawberry Christmas Tree

Strawberry Christmas Tree

Portions:20
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Ingredients

  • 60 fresh strawberries with tops attached from 2 to 3 (1-lb) containers
  • 3 oz vanilla-flavored candy coating almond bark
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar crystals

Instructions

  • Rinse strawberries; pat dry with paper towels, making sure they are dried well so coating adheres.
  • In small microwavable bowl, melt candy coating as directed on package.
  • To assemble tree, use 10 strawberries as base, dipping 1 side of each berry in candy coating, then arranging in circle, tops down and sides touching, on large round plate.
  • Fill center of circle with 4 strawberries, with 1 side of each berry dipped in coating.
  • Stack remaining dipped strawberries on top of one another, in decreasing circles, with 1 berry on top.
  • Drizzle tree with remaining coating; immediately sprinkle with sugar.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Make-Ahead Magic If the berries for the Christmas tree, left, you use are really fresh and the green hulls are perky green, you can make the tree up to 3 days in advance. Store uncovered in the refrigerator until the coating has hardened. Then loosely cover the tree with plastic wrap.
Festive Touch This tree also makes a festive centerpiece. Look for strawberries of uniform shape and size to get the best-looking tree.
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Course Dessert / Fruit
Holliday Christmas

Festive Sausage Casserole

Festive Sausage Casserole

Portions:8
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs
  • ¾ cup evaporated low-fat milk from 12-oz can
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Colby–Monterey Jack cheese 4 oz
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese 4 oz
  • 1 bag 20 oz refrigerated cooked shredded hash brown potatoes
  • 1 package 9.6 oz refrigerated cooked turkey sausage crumbles
  • ½ cup chopped roasted red bell peppers from a jar
  • ½ cup chopped green onions 8 medium

Instructions

  • Line sides of 5-quart slow cooker with foil that has been folded into thirds; spray with cooking spray.
  • In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, pepper flakes, salt and pepper with whisk.
  • In small bowl, stir together Monterey Jack cheese and ¼ cup of the Cheddar cheese.
  • In slow cooker, layer half of each of the potatoes, sausage and roasted peppers; top with 3 tablespoons of the onions and half of the cheese mixture.
  • Repeat layers.
  • Pour egg mixture over top.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes or until temperature reaches 160°F in center and egg mixture is set.
  • Turn slow cooker off.
  • Sprinkle remaining ¾ cup Cheddar cheese and remaining 2 tablespoons onions over casserole.
  • Cover; let stand 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  • Remove foil before serving by loosening edges with table knife and pulling out.
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Holliday Christmas

Steak and Eggs Benedict with Avocado

Steak and Eggs Benedict with Avocado

Portions:6
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Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 6 teaspoons half-and-half
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 beef tenderloin steaks 1 inch thick (4 oz each), cut in half horizontally
  • 1 package 0.9 oz béarnaise sauce mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 3 English muffins split, toasted
  • 1 avocado pitted, peeled and sliced
  • Cracked black pepper if desired

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 325°F.
  • Spray 6 (6-oz) custard cups with cooking spray.
  • Place cups in shallow baking pan.
  • Break 1 egg into each cup.
  • Top each with 1 teaspoon half-and-half.
  • Sprinkle evenly with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until yolks are firm, not runny.
  • In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Sprinkle steaks with remaining ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
  • Cook steaks in oil 4 minutes, turning once, or until of desired doneness.
  • Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make sauce mix as directed on package, using milk and butter.
  • Place toasted muffin halves on serving plates.
  • Carefully slide 1 egg onto each muffin half.
  • Top each with 1 steak and sliced avocado.
  • Spoon sauce over each serving.
  • Sprinkle with cracked pepper.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Festive Touch

Serve this special brunch dish with fresh fruit (such as berries, kiwi and grapes), hash browns and Mango-Ginger Snowdrift Mimosas (see recipe).
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Course Beef / Brunch / Eggs
Holliday Christmas

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Portions:12
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Ingredients

  • 1 bag 20 oz refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
  • 1 package 1 oz taco seasoning mix
  • 1 lb bulk turkey or pork breakfast sausage
  • 1 medium onion chopped (½ cup)
  • 12 eggs
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 8 oz
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • cups chunky-style salsa

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish or 3-quart casserole with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, toss potatoes and 1 tablespoon of the taco seasoning mix until evenly coated.
  • Pat in baking dish.
  • Spray 10-inch skillet with cooking spray.
  • Add the sausage and onion; cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink.
  • Drain.
  • In same large bowl, beat eggs, cheese, milk, salt, pepper and remaining taco seasoning mix with whisk until well blended.
  • Stir in sausage mixture and salsa.
  • Carefully pour over potatoes in baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered about 40 minutes or until eggs are set in center.
  • Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble the Mexican Breakfast Casserole, right, as directed the night before; cover and refrigerate. In the morning, simply uncover and pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time.
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Course Breakfast / Brunch
Cuisine Mexican
Holliday Christmas

Ranchero Egg Bake

Ranchero Egg Bake

Ranchero Egg Bake

Portions:8
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Ingredients

  • 12 eggs
  • cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups seasoned croutons
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained, rinsed
  • 2 cans 4.5 oz each chopped green chiles
  • 1 ring 13 to 14 oz fully cooked turkey smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch slices
  • cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 6 oz
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions 4 medium
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¾ cup quartered cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  • Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, cumin and pepper with whisk.
  • Stir in croutons, beans, chiles, sausage and cheese.
  • Pour into baking dish.
  • Cover; refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Uncover baking dish; bake 45 minutes or until set.
  • Sprinkle onions over top.
  • Garnish with sour cream, cilantro and tomatoes.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Festive Touch

If you like, serve salsa on the side, for an extra layer of flavor.
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Course Brunch / Eggs / Turkey
Holliday Christmas

Ham-and-Cheese Croissant Casserole

Ham-and-Cheese Croissant Casserole

Portions:6
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Ingredients

  • 3 large croissants 5 inch
  • 1 package 8 oz chopped cooked ham
  • cups shredded Swiss cheese 5 oz
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg if desired

Instructions

  • Spray 10-inch glass deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray.
  • Cut croissants in half lengthwise; cut each half into 5 pieces.
  • Place pieces in pie plate.
  • Sprinkle with ham and cheese.
  • In large bowl, beat eggs, half-and-half, honey, mustard, salt, pepper and nutmeg with whisk.
  • Pour egg mixture over ingredients in pie plate; press croissant pieces into egg mixture to moisten completely.
  • Cover tightly with foil; refrigerate at least 8 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
  • Heat oven to 325°F.
  • Bake casserole covered 35 minutes.
  • Uncover; bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Festive Touch

For a bit of holiday color and a great flavor combination, serve this savory egg dish with a spoonful of salsa on the side.
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Course Brunch / Cheese / Pork
Holliday Christmas

Mediterranean Egg Casserole

Mediterranean Egg Casserole

Portions:8
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach leaves coarsely chopped
  • 6 cups cubed 1 inch baguette
  • cups crumbled feta cheese 6 oz
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 oz
  • 1 jar 6 oz marinated artichoke hearts, well drained, coarsely chopped
  • cup pitted kalamata olives halved
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained, chopped
  • 10 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 8-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
  • Cook onion, bell pepper and garlic in oil 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly softened.
  • Add spinach; cook about 1 minute or until it begins to wilt.
  • In baking dish, layer half of the baguette pieces, 1 cup of the feta cheese, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, the bell pepper mixture, artichokes, olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Top with remaining baguette pieces and remaining ½ cup feta cheese.
  • In large bowl, beat eggs and milk with whisk; beat in pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
  • Pour over bread mixture, pressing down slightly.
  • Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and center is just set.
  • Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble this casserole as directed the night before; cover and refrigerate. In the morning, simply uncover and pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time.

Kitchen Secrets

Arugula or baby kale would also work as a substitute for spinach in this recipe.
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Course Brunch / Eggs
Holliday Christmas

Double-Bacon, Bagel and Egg Casserole

Double-Bacon, Bagel and Egg Casserole

Double-Bacon, Bagel and Egg Casserole

Portions:8
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Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed 1 inch everything bagels
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend 4 oz
  • ¾ cup sliced green onions 12 medium
  • 1 cup chopped seeded plum Roma tomatoes (about 3 medium)
  • ½ cup chopped Canadian bacon
  • 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, cut into ¼-inch chunks
  • 10 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish or 3-quart casserole with cooking spray.
  • In baking dish, layer 3 cups of the bagel pieces, ½ cup of the shredded cheese, ½ cup of the onions, the tomatoes, Canadian bacon, ¾ cup of the bacon and the remaining 3 cups bagel pieces.
  • Top with cream cheese.
  • In large bowl, beat eggs and milk with whisk; beat in salt and pepper.
  • Pour over bagel mixture, pressing down slightly.
  • Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup shredded cheese.
  • Bake uncovered 45 minutes.
  • Top with remaining ¼ cup bacon.
  • Bake about 10 minutes longer or until golden brown and center is just set.
  • Let stand 15 minutes.
  • Top with remaining ¼ cup onions before serving.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble this casserole as directed the night before or up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, simply uncover and pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time.

Make-Ahead Magic

Cook the bacon ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble this flavorful egg dish.
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Course Brunch / Eggs / Pork
Holliday Christmas

Mini Quiche Boats

Mini Quiche Boats

Portions:6
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Ingredients

  • 12 mini boat-shaped soft flour tortillas from two 6.7-oz packages
  • ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • ½ cup chopped tomato
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup whipping cream
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 oz

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Line cookie sheet with foil.
  • Place tortillas on cookie sheet.
  • In 8-inch nonstick skillet, cook bell pepper, tomato and onion 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften.
  • In medium bowl, beat eggs, cream, salt and pepper with whisk.
  • Spoon 2 teaspoons vegetable mixture into each tortilla; top each with 1 teaspoon cheese and 1½ tablespoons egg mixture.
  • Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Make-Ahead Magic

To make breakfast easier, freeze the mini quiches! Bake as directed, then cool 15 minutes. Place in single layer in freezer container; cover and freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 16 to 20 minutes or until hot.

Kitchen Secrets

Vary the cheese to use your favorite or what you have on hand. A three-cheese blend or pepper Jack are great choices.
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Course Bread / Quiche
Holliday Christmas

Smoked Gouda Grits and Egg Bake

Smoked Gouda Grits and Egg Bake

Portions:8
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Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk
  • teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup uncooked stone-ground grits
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 6 oz smoked Gouda cheese shredded (1½ cups)
  • 1 lb bulk sage pork sausage
  • 10 eggs
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 6 oz white Cheddar cheese shredded (1½ cups)
  • Additional chopped fresh parsley if desired

Instructions

  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat milk and salt just to boiling over medium-high heat.
  • Gradually stir in grits.
  • Reduce heat; cook uncovered 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
  • Add butter and Gouda cheese; stir until melted.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Lightly spray 3-quart casserole with cooking spray.
  • Pour grits mixture into casserole.
  • Cool 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink.
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • In large bowl, slightly beat eggs with whisk; stir in whipping cream, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese and the cooked sausage.
  • Pour over grits mixture.
  • Top with remaining ½ cup Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned.
  • Sprinkle with additional parsley.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Festive Touch

You can bake this casserole in 8 (12-oz) individual casserole dishes. Make as directed except: in Step 2, divide grits mixture evenly among casserole dishes. Cool 10 minutes. In Step 4, divide egg mixture evenly over grits in casseroles. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.
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Course Brunch / Cheese / Eggs
Holliday Christmas