Christmas brunch ideas and after the presents are open eats.. ideas..Please suggestions needed

[LovesTimone]

I am going to be having Christmas morning brunch.. 6 adults and my DGS ( almost 2). DD and DSIL want to start making traditions at their home and have some special time with him. So DD and I talked about it and we decided on brunch... My parents will be coming over as well. So after brunch we are going to open presents, depending on when DGS takes his nap or if he doesn't which he most likely won't, we will all want to sit around and visit.. Then I know we all will be in the kitchen again foraging around for something to eat. So I am trying not over do it.. but have some easy stuff to pull out for a meal, "Linner" lets call it

So here's where I am at right now.

I am leaning to eating brunch between 10:30 and 11:00

On the menu;
Brunch -
Ham - a large one that can do double duty so to speak, for both brunch and later on for "Linner"
Sausage on the grill.... like an apple sausage.
Potato casserole of some sort, or we make this sliced potato and onion its one of those cooked in foil dishes that goes on the grill which is so yummy ( we live an Fl. and grill year around)
Messy scrambled eggs with herbs and cheese.
Blueberry muffins, banana and spiced apple breads.
Coffee and Juice
Maybe pineapple juice and champagne cocktail

I think I need something syrupy would like a French toast casserole but I haven't had any luck with this dish in the past... Please a tried and true recipes for this....or suggestion

some fruit...I was thinking about just some really nice berries.. or a fruit platter/bowl

any other suggestions

"Linner"
Ham
Some kinda small sandwich rolls... leaning toward King Hawaiian

a cold salad of sorts not all of these maybe 2 of these choices small bowls.. potato salad, pasta salad, shrimp & orzo, coleslaw, tomato & mozzarella ...no idea where this is going.

I need a veggie option I was thinking about some veggie Kabobs for the grill, really not wanting to go the casserole way, not unless I could make ahead and warm up quickly and still be tasty.

Maybe a couple of small platters...here's where I get stuck..

Pie and cupcakes/cookies ...


As always... Thanks in advance...you guys are the greatest...

 

[TwoMisfits]

I am going to be having Christmas morning brunch.. 6 adults and my DGS ( almost 2). DD and DSIL want to start making traditions at their home and have some special time with him. So DD and I talked about it and we decided on brunch... My parents will be coming over as well. So after brunch we are going to open presents, depending on when DGS takes his nap or if he doesn't which he most likely won't, we will all want to sit around and visit.. Then I know we all will be in the kitchen again foraging around for something to eat. So I am trying not over do it.. but have some easy stuff to pull out for a meal, "Linner" lets call it

So here's where I am at right now.

I am leaning to eating brunch between 10:30 and 11:00

On the menu;
Brunch -
Ham - a large one that can do double duty so to speak, for both brunch and later on for "Linner"
Sausage on the grill.... like an apple sausage.
Potato casserole of some sort, or we make this sliced potato and onion its one of those cooked in foil dishes that goes on the grill which is so yummy ( we live an Fl. and grill year around)
Messy scrambled eggs with herbs and cheese.
Blueberry muffins, banana and spiced apple breads.
Coffee and Juice
Maybe pineapple juice and champagne cocktail

I think I need something syrupy would like a French toast casserole but I haven't had any luck with this dish in the past... Please a tried and true recipes for this....or suggestion

some fruit...I was thinking about just some really nice berries.. or a fruit platter/bowl

any other suggestions

"Linner"
Ham
Some kinda small sandwich rolls... leaning toward King Hawaiian

a cold salad of sorts not all of these maybe 2 of these choices small bowls.. potato salad, pasta salad, shrimp & orzo, coleslaw, tomato & mozzarella ...no idea where this is going.

I need a veggie option I was thinking about some veggie Kabobs for the grill, really not wanting to go the casserole way, not unless I could make ahead and warm up quickly and still be tasty.

Maybe a couple of small platters...here's where I get stuck..

Pie and cupcakes/cookies ...
As always... Thanks in advance...you guys are the greatest...

See, I'm not sure on the berries, unless you live where they will still be seasonal. I'd actually serve 2 different seasonal Xmas-time fruit options - 1 at each meal.
I'd do an orange and honey salad (like this - https://whatscookingamerica.net/Salad/OrangeHoneySalad.htm) and a fresh take on ambrosia (1/3 fresh cut pineapple, 1/3 fresh cut cherries (or the jar if not seasonal - I've done both), 1/3 fresh peeled clementines, fresh mint, and shredded coconut to taste) and decide which is which meal. Both can be done the night before almost completely (save the coconut and mint to fold last minute) and since they use seasonal fruit, they should be fresh, sweet, and not to heavy on the pocketbook. And they both pair excellently with ham!

 

[loves to dive]

Both sound like a lot of food, are they going to have a big supper later? If you really wanted the huge brunch, I'd stick to that and then just have a bunch of finger foods and left overs for later. I'd do a cheese plate, a crudites plate, some sort of selection of dips and hummus and maybe some pita squares as well. Our family always makes stuffed dates for grazing food as well, just take a date slice it down the middle put a little cream cheese in and a pecan on top, easy to pick up and pop in the mouth. Some mixed nuts. Your left over ham will be a good protein, may be slice it thin and do a roll up with the ham around melon. Deviled eggs. We do this and have it on a table set up for all day, that way when people get hungry they can just pop by the table, grab a plate and graze. As far as sweets, cookies and lemon squares are out go tos.

 

[kymom99]

How about soup

 

[DreamIsaWish]

Christmas cookies! Throw caution to the wind and go for the cookies!

And leftovers. When I was a kid, one of the hits of the Christmas Eve party was shrimp. They can be cooked ahead and served cold. Sounds like you don't have all that many people, so that should control the cost and instead go for convenience so you enjoy time with family. I also just got these great mini crabcakes at Costco (on the monthly sale) and they are delicious! Just pop them in the oven and you're done -- and they are so good!

 

[QueenIsabella]

A couple thoughts...

There are many recipes on Pinterest for overnight french toast, some with fruit in them. I've tried a few different ones--basically, you prepare it the night before, then cook for an hour that morning.

Maybe grilled vegetables with dinner? We do onions, peppers, zucchini, summer squash, and mushrooms, but you could also do asparagus and/or whatever your family likes. I toss them with olive oil and a little Italian seasoning before grilling. They're good warm or cold, and leftovers are great as a burger topping or in omelets or added to spaghetti sauce.

I also agree on the shrimp cocktail, that seems to be popular. Deviled eggs, maybe, too--they can be made ahead. You'd probably appreciate things that require less tending to

 

[crazylady]

If you like sugar snap peas and asparagus, I have a great cold salad you could prepare ahead of time. It has a lemon and dill vinaigrette. I'll pull it out if you're interested.

 

[Disney_traveler]

Maybe a lunch meat/cheese tray and sandwich fixings? With the ham and sausage they would make an awesome sandwich.

 

[LovesTimone]

See, I'm not sure on the berries, unless you live where they will still be seasonal. I'd actually serve 2 different seasonal Xmas-time fruit options - 1 at each meal.
I'd do an orange and honey salad (like this - https://whatscookingamerica.net/Salad/OrangeHoneySalad.htm) and a fresh take on ambrosia (1/3 fresh cut pineapple, 1/3 fresh cut cherries (or the jar if not seasonal - I've done both), 1/3 fresh peeled clementines, fresh mint, and shredded coconut to taste) and decide which is which meal. Both can be done the night before almost completely (save the coconut and mint to fold last minute) and since they use seasonal fruit, they should be fresh, sweet, and not to heavy on the pocketbook. And they both pair excellently with ham!

Living in Florida it seems there are always some kind of berries available a bit pricey but I only need a small amount. I like the idea of the ambrosia, but I have a coconut allergy so could I leave it off or is there a substitute for the coconut, also do you fold in the cream mixture or just top with it.

 

[McKelly]

If you like sugar snap peas and asparagus, I have a great cold salad you could prepare ahead of time. It has a lemon and dill vinaigrette. I'll pull it out if you're interested.

I'm not the OP, but if it's not too much trouble - that sounds really good and I would love the recipe.

 

[LovesTimone]

Both sound like a lot of food, are they going to have a big supper later? If you really wanted the huge brunch, I'd stick to that and then just have a bunch of finger foods and left overs for later. I'd do a cheese plate, a crudites plate, some sort of selection of dips and hummus and maybe some pita squares as well. Our family always makes stuffed dates for grazing food as well, just take a date slice it down the middle put a little cream cheese in and a pecan on top, easy to pick up and pop in the mouth. Some mixed nuts. Your left over ham will be a good protein, may be slice it thin and do a roll up with the ham around melon. Deviled eggs. We do this and have it on a table set up for all day, that way when people get hungry they can just pop by the table, grab a plate and graze. As far as sweets, cookies and lemon squares are out go tos.

No big dinner/supper for any of us..I am thinking around 3 to 4 ish everyone will be hungry, so I know that my parents will just head home with some left overs and bread and cookies that I will be sending with them, So if they are hungry they will mostly warm up some of the bread I send home with them for a snack.. Same goes for my DD and her little family. It sounds like a lot but I really control the amount, making just enough for some leftovers to send home and for us to have some sandwiches the next day.

 

[LovesTimone]

Christmas cookies! Throw caution to the wind and go for the cookies!

And leftovers. When I was a kid, one of the hits of the Christmas Eve party was shrimp. They can be cooked ahead and served cold. Sounds like you don't have all that many people, so that should control the cost and instead go for convenience so you enjoy time with family. I also just got these great mini crabcakes at Costco (on the monthly sale) and they are delicious! Just pop them in the oven and you're done -- and they are so good!

Oh you and me are on the same page with the Christmas cookies.... YUM - I will have to check out the crabcakes for DH office Christmas party.

 

[LovesTimone]

If you like sugar snap peas and asparagus, I have a great cold salad you could prepare ahead of time. It has a lemon and dill vinaigrette. I'll pull it out if you're interested.

Op here sounds really interesting... Please and Thank you .

 

[LovesTimone]

A couple thoughts...

There are many recipes on Pinterest for overnight french toast, some with fruit in them. I've tried a few different ones--basically, you prepare it the night before, then cook for an hour that morning.

Maybe grilled vegetables with dinner? We do onions, peppers, zucchini, summer squash, and mushrooms, but you could also do asparagus and/or whatever your family likes. I toss them with olive oil and a little Italian seasoning before grilling. They're good warm or cold, and leftovers are great as a burger topping or in omelets or added to spaghetti sauce.

I also agree on the shrimp cocktail, that seems to be popular. Deviled eggs, maybe, too--they can be made ahead. You'd probably appreciate things that require less tending to

I have tried a couple but its like the edges get done but the center is mushy... Then I cooked it longer to firm it up but then the edges are dry and over done... Suggestions... to fix this..

 

[TwoMisfits]

Living in Florida it seems there are always some kind of berries available a bit pricey but I only need a small amount. I like the idea of the ambrosia, but I have a coconut allergy so could I leave it off or is there a substitute for the coconut, also do you fold in the cream mixture or just top with it.

I don't use the cream (or marshmallows) at all - I keep it really light - that's why it's my fresh take (it's also less messy. If you don't like coconut, then I'd just serve it with a cream mixture (whether you want simple with cool whip or you want to make your own topping) or even simpler, I might just drizzle with honey and the mint. The fruit combo itself is always really tasty together and doesn't really need much!

 

[TwoMisfits]

As for your breakfast, I don't think you need anything syrupy. You will have both muffins and breads to fill that "sweet carb" role. If you don't think those are enough, I'd do something fancy like a scone (with fresh made jam and clotted cream if I wanted to go to great efforts) and feel like I was having a Dickens Christmas! Bonus - it's also make ahead (even if you went fancy), so less work Christmas morning.

And if you're doing fancy, I see the pineapple juice and champagne cocktail...but you could also do the Mimosa (OJ and Champagne) and have options for your guests. If your champagne is really dry, you could put out the champagne, the juices, a simple syrup, and fresh mint and let guests make their own sparkler...

 

[QueenIsabella]

I have tried a couple but its like the edges get done but the center is mushy... Then I cooked it longer to firm it up but then the edges are dry and over done... Suggestions... to fix this..

I found that to be more the case when I used bread cubes. I agree, I don't like it "crusty", especially since I don't do syrup (personal preference). I had better luck with a recipe that used whole slices of white bread. We normally use 12-grain here, but I buy white, just for this recipe. Regular Wonder bread type white, not a fancy baguette or anything. I've also made a caramel-pecan type base, that I cook on the stove and then put in the pan, then put on the bread slices and pour the egg/milk mixture over all. That makes it almost like a pecan roll/french toast hybrid--it gets rave reviews in our house.

If you like ambrosia but can't have coconut, I would just leave it out. If you can tolerate it being around it, you might toast some up and put it on the side for others, but only if that's safe for you. Otherwise, they can suck it up. I'll bet it would still be tasty.

 

[Moomduck1]

You could get a bunch of bagels and different cream cheeses, put the toaster on the buffet table for the brunch. You can do ziti or stuffed shells as a vegetarian option for linner. You can make ahead and just stick in the oven. We also like pierogis, which are vegetarian as well. I've made them ahead of time and then put them in a slow cooker to keep warm.

 

[crazylady]

Edited below

 

[LovesTimone]

As for your breakfast, I don't think you need anything syrupy. You will have both muffins and breads to fill that "sweet carb" role. If you don't think those are enough, I'd do something fancy like a scone (with fresh made jam and clotted cream if I wanted to go to great efforts) and feel like I was having a Dickens Christmas! Bonus - it's also make ahead (even if you went fancy), so less work Christmas morning.

And if you're doing fancy, I see the pineapple juice and champagne cocktail...but you could also do the Mimosa (OJ and Champagne) and have options for your guests. If your champagne is really dry, you could put out the champagne, the juices, a simple syrup, and fresh mint and let guests make their own sparkler...

A lot of the bread and muffins will be packaged ahead of time to go home with my parents and DD and her little family. So just a small plate of the muffins and breads. DD loves French toast so I am looking for something that she will love.

Your suggestion of the Mimosa triggered another cocktail option that I had not thought about for a while... I actually made these for a friends bridal luncheon... During the holidays I found a cranberry flavored wine I think its Arbor mist or one of those type of wines, I mixed it with 7-up but you could use ginger ale, sprite ... But I took it a step further I pureed some cranberry sauce with some orange juice and froze it in little balls, it doesn't get solid but sorta like sorbet, I would make at least 48 hours ahead and dropped 1 or 2 in the bottom of the glasses, poured in the wine, topped off with the 7-up and a orange slice and it was pretty and worked out great. Now I remember I have a recipe for a Cranberry Granita, I got it off food network which might work but I think it use's vodka... I will have to go find it... Yay more options and something different.