Shari's Blog Pic 12-21-09It has become a tradition in our home to have a Christmas brunch.  After the presents are opened we all gather around the table to share family time over a delicious meal.  But the last thing I want to do Christmas morning is make multiple, time-consuming recipes.  My easy menu below allows you to get some of the prep done ahead of time so you can have a relaxing morning while still putting out a delicious, home-baked brunch.  (And by the way. it’s pretty healthy too!)

Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Makes 6 servings (Can be doubled and cooked in a 8×13-inch pan)

½  lb. ground turkey sausage
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
3 cups cubed French bread or whole wheat baguette
1 cup shredded 2% Cheddar cheese
1-1/3 cups fat free milk
¾ cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat until hot.  Add sausage and green onions; cook over medium heat until meat is browned, stirring to crumble.  Drain and pat dry.  Set aside.
Place bread cubes in an 8-inch square baking dish that has been coated with vegetable cooking spray.  Layer sausage mixture and cheese over bread.  Combine milk and remaining ingredients; stir well.  Pour over sausage and cheese.  Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until set.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional information per serving:  200 calories; 7g fat; 20g carbohydrate; 16g protein; 33mg cholesterol; 494mg sodium

Mini Blueberry Muffins
Use your favorite blueberry muffin recipe but substitute white whole wheat flour (such as King Arthur) for the white flour to add more nutrients and fiber.  Bake muffins in a miniature muffin pan.  Sprinkle tops of muffins with granulated sugar before baking.  These can be made a day or two beforehand.

Fresh Fruit Salad
Mix together your favorite fresh fruits – strawberry halves, orange segments, kiwi, grapes, blueberries, etc.  This can be made a day ahead.

Add flavored coffee, tea and juices on a side table so everyone can help themselves.  Happy, Healthy Holidays!

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26347673@N03/2792227983/