Ho-Ho-Ho! Santa did not disappoint...and not only that, he sent shock waves thru my soul! All I can say is that I had a VERY Merry Christmas! And I hope you did too! Even the mister, who's heart is two sizes two small, seemed to enjoy himself...he dressed in festive attire and was pleasant for 90% of the day...the 10% of unpleasantness appeared when we made a mad dash to the grocery store - I had forgotten the Parmesan for our annual Spaghetti anda Meata Balls Feast! While driving through the parking lot some lady pulled out a teensy bit in front of the mister and he glared at her...I had to remind him that there was NO GLARING ON CHRISTMAS! Other than that, he was fairly well behaved and I have only the Christmas Spirit to thank!
After the presents we sat down for our traditional Christmas breakfast - I always make an egg casserole of some sort and this year it was an old favorite, Ham and Cheese Strata...this is great because you make it the night before and put it in the fridge until ready to bake. It takes 45 minutes in the oven which happens to be about how long we take opening gifts!
We only had the boy to watch open gifts...the girl and SIL, along with Baby Max, stayed home to have "their own traditions"....yes, their OWN traditions...but I say nothing...it was just a smallish knife in my heart, I hardly felt it really, only a few dull stabbing pains and I'm sure they won't last much longer...and I did get to talk to them on the phone which as you know, is almost as good has having them here in person...
Ham and Cheese Strata - Adapted from Leslie Perry
12 slices white bread (just use the "regular" stuff, the bread basically "melts" so you don't want big crusty Italian or French bread)
1 lb. ham, chopped (this recipe is very adaptable so you could use cooked bacon or sausage)
1/2 lb. Swiss cheese, cubed
1/4 lb. Cheddar cheese, grated
6 eggs
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon Cavender's Greek Seasoning (or substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
4 cups crush cornflakes
1/2 cup melted butter
Butter a 9-13-inch casserole dish and line with 6 slices of bread. Combine ham and cheese and place on top of bread. Add remaining bread on top. Beat eggs, add milk and spices. Pour over bread in pan. Refrigerate overnight. Mix cornflakes with melted butter and spread on top of egg dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 12.
"The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin." ~Jay Leno
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One year ago today: My Grandma's Steamed Christmas Pudding
