4 minute read
Entertaining with Ralph Vincent
IDEAS FOR RELAXED GATHERINGS YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE...And you will too! WRITTEN BY RALPH VINCENT Start Your Holiday with a Apple and Cinnamon Special Breakfast or Brunch! French Toast Casserole
0ur 2020 holiday gatherings will likely be smaller than in previous years due to the pandemic and related safety measures. For many families holiday celebrations will be limited mainly to household members. The number of invited guests will be reduced as well due to social distancing. Ingredients Nevertheless, a smaller gathering can still make the day special! 1 cup of light brown sugar 3 to 4 medium size tart apples A great way to start off a winter ½ cup of melted butter holiday is with a special breakfast ¾ cup golden raisins or brunch. I have assembled an I loaf of French bread in 1 inch thick slices easy to prepare menu that will 1 cup of milk work well for a smaller sized ½ cup of half and half gathering. Even better, most of 6 large eggs the preparation can be done in 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon advance, allowing you more time 4 teaspoons of vanilla to enjoy your holiday morning. Directions The menu features two casseroles, • The evening before your gathering, peel, core and thinly slice the apples, one sweet and one savory. Both set aside. casseroles can be assembled the • Prepare the apple mixture by combining the brown sugar, melted butter evening before and popped in the and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish. oven the next morning. My Apple • Stir in the apples and raisins, and smooth the mixture out over the bottom and Cinnamon French Toast of the baking dish. Casserole is filled with seasonal flavors, and the Broccoli and Roasted Red Pepper Strata is a colorful and satisfying dish. My Melon and Mint salad will provide a refreshing contrast to other •Place the bread slices over the apple mixture. • Whisk the eggs, milk, half and half and vanilla until smooth and pour slowly and evenly over the bread slices. • Cover with foil and refrigerate until the next morning. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 375 degrees. menu flavors. Pomegranate Mimosas will add some additional cheer to your gathering! • Bake covered with foil for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set. • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the bread slices are lightly browned. • Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pomegranate Infused Mimosas
Ingredients per cocktail
1 ounce of pomegranate liqueur. I like Pama Pomegranate Liqueur. 3 ounces of orange juice Chilled Prosecco
Directions
• For each Mimosa combine the pomegranate liqueur and orange juice in a champagne flute and top with enough prosecco to fill the glass. • You can also measure into a pitcher enough pomegranate liqueur and orange juice for the number of drinks you need and chill. • When it is time to make the Mimosas divide the mixture evenly among each flute and add the prosecco. Cheers!
Ingredients
2 cups of honeydew melon cut into bite size pieces 2 cups of cantaloupe cut into bite size pieces 2 cups of sliced strawberries 1/3 cup of chopped fresh mint 3 tablespoons of lime juice
Directions
• The day before, cut up the melon and strawberries, and refrigerate each in separate covered containers. • Just before serving, place the fruit and lime juice into a serving bowl and stir to combine. • Chop the mint, add to the bowl and stir once more.
Cheddar, Broccoli and Roasted Red Pepper Strata
Ingredients
6 large eggs 1 cup of milk ½ cup of half and half ½ teaspoon of salt ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper 1 clove of garlic minced 1 loaf of French bread cut into 1 inch cube shaped pieces 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 and ½ half cups of chopped fresh broccoli 1 cup of jarred roasted red peppers chopped and drained 1 tablespoon of butter for the baking dish
Directions
• The evening before your gathering, butter the bottom and sides of a 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish. • In a large mixing bowl combine the broccoli, roasted red peppers, 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the bread. • In a separate mixing bowl whisk the eggs, milk, half and half, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. • Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the vegetables, bread and cheese and stir gently to combine. • Pour the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. • Cover with foil and place in the refrigerator overnight. When you are ready to bake remove the strata from the refrigerator and remove the foil. • Let the strata stand at room temperature while you preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until set. • Remove from the oven and cool for fifteen minutes before serving.
