Hosting Christmas Eve Brunch--need menu and can I buy part from Whole Foods?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this for Christmas Eve morning or Christmas morning? I’ve never heard of anyone doing a big brunch the morning of the 24th.

NP.

So you think no one anywhere has brunch on Christmas Eve because you don’t? Really?

No, I don’t think that. I am curious to hear if a lot of people do this, because I honestly don’t know anyone who does. I’m always interested in learning about other people’s holiday traditions that are different from my own or my extended family’s.

I admit Christmas Eve is usually a whirl of last minute getting ready activities at my house, so I wouldn’t have time to attend a brunch on that day, let alone prepare one. But I am loving all the great ideas here because we do have a big brunch on Christmas morning and frequently on the 26th also, so I’m picking out some new recipes from this thread to try this year.

his is OP. I like the idea of the 26th and may try that last year. I like it a lot! Yes, it's as hectic as heck. I am busy working and renovating another part of the house. I will still need to wrap some gifts and all. I sleep well Xmas night!

This is OP. I like the idea of the 26th and may try that last year. I like it a lot! Yes, it's as hectic as heck. I am busy working and renovating another part of the house. I will still need to wrap some gifts and all. I sleep well Xmas night!

So, you get up and have a big brunch the day before Christmas? When do you open presents, and when does Santa visit (if you do the Santa thing)?

I have guests in Christmas eve. No one is working. They come at around noon and we hang out by the fire listening to Xmas music and sipping wine and mimosas-- for as long as they want. I have a 15 yo so Santa is done. Our small family opens gifts together Xmas morning. It's quiet. Other friends are coming for Christmas lunch. After last year, I want to have people I enjoy around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This egg casserole has been a staple in my family my whole life - my grandma passed down a version of the recipe. It’s sure easy, everyone loves it, and you can make in advance and reheat or just stick in oven 45 minutes before brunch. Service with a fruit salad or anything else simple you like. Leftovers are great too!

https://houseofnasheats.com/green-chili-egg-casserole/

Sure sounds easier than making quiche pies. Is it flavorful?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This egg casserole has been a staple in my family my whole life - my grandma passed down a version of the recipe. It’s sure easy, everyone loves it, and you can make in advance and reheat or just stick in oven 45 minutes before brunch. Service with a fruit salad or anything else simple you like. Leftovers are great too!

https://houseofnasheats.com/green-chili-egg-casserole/

Sure sounds easier than making quiche pies. Is it flavorful?

Do you chop fresh chiles or use canned? TIA

[Anonymous]

I usually assemble this strata the night before:
https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cheesy-kale-and-mushroom-strata

I get a bunch of Trader Joe’s croissants - chocolate, almond and regular, and bake the morning of.

You could put put bagels and lox as well if you like, and some fruit. I don’t think you need potatoes and they are a pain to make a big batch first thing in the morning. If you really want though, the TJ’s frozen latkes are good.

[Anonymous]

OP again. Thanks all for ideas. I now have brunch--just need to venture to the store!!! Yikes. Now, I need to feed my son and myself and husband Christmas dinner, I think. Son wants traditional. Just three of us. Nothing tastes like home made. I can't cook that too. Thoughts?

Founding Farmers too salty, at least last I ordered.
Balduchi's-- I need to order for 6 people at nearly $200--has anyone had theirs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this for Christmas Eve morning or Christmas morning? I’ve never heard of anyone doing a big brunch the morning of the 24th.

NP.

So you think no one anywhere has brunch on Christmas Eve because you don’t? Really?

No, I don’t think that. I am curious to hear if a lot of people do this, because I honestly don’t know anyone who does. I’m always interested in learning about other people’s holiday traditions that are different from my own or my extended family’s.

I admit Christmas Eve is usually a whirl of last minute getting ready activities at my house, so I wouldn’t have time to attend a brunch on that day, let alone prepare one. But I am loving all the great ideas here because we do have a big brunch on Christmas morning and frequently on the 26th also, so I’m picking out some new recipes from this thread to try this year.

DP, Christmas Eve is our big celebration. Christmas Day is more relaxed and the family can enjoy their presents.

So, you get up and have a big brunch the day before Christmas? When do you open presents, and when does Santa visit (if you do the Santa thing)?

We open presents on Christmas morning. Santa comes on Christmas Eve. Any presents that are brought by brunch guests can be opened immediately.

[Anonymous]

For potatoes, I've used the Lipton onion soup recipe and threw it in the crockpot in the morning. Only takes a few hours and people loved them: https://www.liptonkitchens.com/recipes/onion-roasted-potatoes/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Thanks all for ideas. I now have brunch--just need to venture to the store!!! Yikes. Now, I need to feed my son and myself and husband Christmas dinner, I think. Son wants traditional. Just three of us. Nothing tastes like home made. I can't cook that too. Thoughts?

Founding Farmers too salty, at least last I ordered.
Balduchi's-- I need to order for 6 people at nearly $200--has anyone had theirs?

Look at Fresh Market, I think the price would be lower and I think their stuff is good

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Thanks all for ideas. I now have brunch--just need to venture to the store!!! Yikes. Now, I need to feed my son and myself and husband Christmas dinner, I think. Son wants traditional. Just three of us. Nothing tastes like home made. I can't cook that too. Thoughts?

Founding Farmers too salty, at least last I ordered.
Balduchi's-- I need to order for 6 people at nearly $200--has anyone had theirs?

It sounds like you don't love to cook anyway and your plate is full with brunch prep, so stick son and husband on the Xmas dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This egg casserole has been a staple in my family my whole life - my grandma passed down a version of the recipe. It’s sure easy, everyone loves it, and you can make in advance and reheat or just stick in oven 45 minutes before brunch. Service with a fruit salad or anything else simple you like. Leftovers are great too!

https://houseofnasheats.com/green-chili-egg-casserole/

Sure sounds easier than making quiche pies. Is it flavorful?

It is flavorful, and I use canned chiles (two of the small cans). You can also switch up the cheese, I often use pepper jack if I want it a little spicer. But really your favorite cheese will work great. It’s so easy and delicious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Thanks all for ideas. I now have brunch--just need to venture to the store!!! Yikes. Now, I need to feed my son and myself and husband Christmas dinner, I think. Son wants traditional. Just three of us. Nothing tastes like home made. I can't cook that too. Thoughts?

Founding Farmers too salty, at least last I ordered.
Balduchi's-- I need to order for 6 people at nearly $200--has anyone had theirs?

It sounds like you don't love to cook anyway and your plate is full with brunch prep, so stick son and husband on the Xmas dinner.

Love to cook and entertain. I worked a full week til today, thought son might have Covid til today (in which case I would have cancelled), contractors have been in my house for a month doing renovations and are still not done. There is a gaping hole in the kitchen where the dishwasher that should have arrived two weeks before. There’s a layer of dust everywhere. And I am still hosting. Will go to grocery store tonight or really early in the am. Cleaners coming tomorrow morning. Christmas tree (live) is up and Un decorated. Plan to string lights and have each person put ornaments on the tree after we eat. It’s that kind of time…. Trying to make the best of what is….
New York Times says omicron is prepping us for next big epidemic. Next year isn’t even promised. I’m living as best I can. Ordered dinner from Whole Foods. DH will pick up tomorrow. Okay. I’m done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:pick up a honey baked ham and serve it cold

That's disgusting.

Serve it warm then use the cold leftovers for sandwiches.

Maybe you’ll get a ham for Xmas.

Do you mean like Santa May leave me a ham under the tree?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For potatoes, I've used the Lipton onion soup recipe and threw it in the crockpot in the morning. Only takes a few hours and people loved them: https://www.liptonkitchens.com/recipes/onion-roasted-potatoes/

Nice sounding. Easy. And this isn’t a crockpot recipe. How does that work? How do you keep from sticking? Do you add anything else to this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our WF is already sold out of the popular prepared items. I would continue to seek something that doesn't have you doing nonstop work. What about a strata? Assemble the day before and keep in the refrigerator overnight. Make a fruit salad the night before and maybe get some nice pastries.

I would do exactly this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Thanks all for ideas. I now have brunch--just need to venture to the store!!! Yikes. Now, I need to feed my son and myself and husband Christmas dinner, I think. Son wants traditional. Just three of us. Nothing tastes like home made. I can't cook that too. Thoughts?

Founding Farmers too salty, at least last I ordered.
Balduchi's-- I need to order for 6 people at nearly $200--has anyone had theirs?

It sounds like you don't love to cook anyway and your plate is full with brunch prep, so stick son and husband on the Xmas dinner.

Love to cook and entertain. I worked a full week til today, thought son might have Covid til today (in which case I would have cancelled), contractors have been in my house for a month doing renovations and are still not done. There is a gaping hole in the kitchen where the dishwasher that should have arrived two weeks before. There’s a layer of dust everywhere. And I am still hosting. Will go to grocery store tonight or really early in the am. Cleaners coming tomorrow morning. Christmas tree (live) is up and Un decorated. Plan to string lights and have each person put ornaments on the tree after we eat. It’s that kind of time…. Trying to make the best of what is….
New York Times says omicron is prepping us for next big epidemic. Next year isn’t even promised. I’m living as best I can. Ordered dinner from Whole Foods. DH will pick up tomorrow. Okay. I’m done.

No one was questioning you have a lot going on. Simply suggesting you share the responsibilities with others in your home. Glad it is working out and hope you have a nice Christmas.