Easter Brunch

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What better way to share Resurrection Sunday than with family??!!!

Scott and I decided last minute to put a little Easter brunch together for our family and friends. We will go to church and then come home and tiddy up for our guest. On the menu we will have French Toast Strata, Veggie Sausage and Cheese Strata, Fruit Salad, Chicken Salad and Crossaints, yummy Mimosas, and a special Sangria punch.

My dear friend at work shared her fabulous Strata recipes with me and they are delicious!!! I have had both and know they are so filling and perfect for a brunch! What's even better... you can make them the night before and bake them right before serving!!

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!! Thanks Karen!!

French Toast Strata

(assemble the night before – bake in the morning0

12 eggs beaten

8 oz. cream cheese – cut into pieces

2 ½ cups milk

½ cup sugar

¼ cup maple syrup

1 Tbs. Vanilla

½ tsp. Cinnamon

½ tsp. Nutmeg

8 to 10 slices good white bread – cut into 1” pieces (about ½ loaf)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

9” X 12” (at least) baking dish – spray with Pam

In a large mixing bowl:

Beat with mixer: first group of ingredients in order given

Then by hand stir in bread cubes

Pour into baking dish

Sprinkle with mixture of cinnamon and sugar (for color)

Cover and refrigerate overnight (this allows the starch in the bread to mix with the egg so when it bakes it will not separate or get tough)

Bake for 45 to 60 minutes
Serve plain or with maple syrup if desired.

AND...

Veggie Sausage & Cheddar Strata

(assemble the night before – bake in the morning)

12 eggs beaten

2 ½ cups milk

½ tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoning Salt

½ tsp. onion powder

2 Tbs. dry minced onion

2 - 8 oz. packages veggie sausage patties, crumbled

2 cups grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

8 to 10 slices good white bread – cut into 1” pieces (about ½ loaf)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

9” X 12” (at least) baking dish – spray with Pam

In a large mixing bowl:

Beat with mixer: first group of ingredients in order given

Then by hand stir in bread cubes, sausage crumbles & cheese

Pour into baking dish

Sprinkle with Paprika (for color)

Cover and refrigerate overnight (this allows the starch in the bread to mix with the egg so when it bakes it will not separate or get tough)

Bake for 45 to 60 minutes

Serve with Salsa.

I will share pictures of our little get together next week!!

I hope everyone has a spectacular EASTER weekend!!

xoxo

Ronita