Easter Brunch

Easter matches Christmas in intensity around our house. It’s a super busy weekend. Matter of fact, Will just walked out the door for his first of seven church services. So in honesty, we won’t have brunch on Easter. Not doable. At all. So I dreamed this brunch up with you in mind.

I also served it up on Thursday night for Emily’s high school small group.

They were all smiles. And a bunch of ooooo’s and ahhhh’s ~ so I felt pretty safe in passing it along to you. ;)

Hands down, this is the best breakfast casserole ever: It’s Eggs Benedict Casserole.
It’s my go-to brunch favorite at Christmas. Perfect to make ahead of time.

Kristi’s Eggs Benedict Casserole

10-12 oz. Canadian bacon * 6 (full) English muffins *12 eggs * 2 c milk * 1 t onion powder * paprika * 1 stick butter * 1/2 c heavy cream * 2 t lemon juice * 1 t Dijon mustard

Grease a large (deep) pan. Cube  10-12 ounces Canadian bacon and 6 English muffins. Distribute evenly.

Beat: 8  large eggs, 2 c. milk, and 1 t. onion powder. Spread evenly over the muffin/bacon mixture. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Let sit in fridge 8 hours. Bake covered at 375 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. Remove foil, then bake an additional 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven, let stand for 5 minutes.

While the casserole is baking, prepare the Hollandaise sauce. Melt 1 stick of butter. Allow to cool slightly. Then beat 4 egg yolks and add to butter. Beat again. Next add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 T. lemon juice. Beat til smooth. Heat the mixture in microwave for 1 – 2 minutes, beating every 20 seconds. Stir in 1 t. Dijon mustard. Dribble over plated casserole. Mmmmm.

It’s delicious, different and decidedly elegant for a casserole. It’s all in the Hollandaise sauce.

Next, the Orange Julius recipe. So super easy.

And look how pretty?

Orange Julius

1 12-oz can orange juice concentrate * 1 can milk (use oj can) * 1 T sugar * 1 T vanilla * 6-8 ice cubes

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend til smooth.

Isn’t that ridiculous?  Yes. And finally. Don’t hate me.

But gracious … these Mini Cinnamon Rolls are so good and soooo easy.

Erika Beth’s Mini Cinnies

1 can of Pillsbury crescent rolls * 4 T brown sugar * 1 t cinnamon * 1 T butter * 1 T flour * 1/2 c powdered sugar * 1 T heavy cream

Melt butter in a small bowl. Then mix in brown sugar, cinnamon and flour. Unroll dough on counter top, press seams together. Spoon sugar mixture on dough, then roll up, place on cookie sheet and slice with a dull knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 – 11 minutes. (Check often and pull out at desired consistency.)

While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar and cream in a bowl with a fork. You want the icing to be thick. Add a dash of salt.  When the rolls are finished baking, let them cool about 1 minute. Transfer to plate and spoon icing on rolls.

The girls loved them. I think you will, too! These are just a few of my favorites.

… and a most joy-filled Easter to you and yours! and if you’re in town and don’ t have a church you call home, you’re so welcome to join us at Austin Christian Fellowship!