Holiday brunch brings the party home
While our little guy stays cozy at home, I plan to heat up the kitchen making a festive brunch. I tested these simple, yet special recipes with my mom while my husband was away for a recent hunting weekend. We both enjoyed the time together and agreed the dishes put us in the holiday spirit. I look forward to making them again come Christmastime, filling our home with loved ones and the warm intermingling scents of spicy, ginger, cloves and cinnamon.
Gingerbread pancakes are the perfect hybrid of cookie and breakfast fare. Cooked in a skillet until slightly crisp on the edges, these will definitely be a new holiday tradition in our household. Instead of (or on top of) traditional maple syrup, a silky vanilla bean flecked coconut cream makes a scrumptious topping that kids and adults alike will delight in drizzling on their short stack.
On the savory side, a cast-iron skillet of smoked salmon hash topped with
over-easy eggs is familiar enough to be comforting, yet sufficiently elevated for the holiday table. Horseradish, Dijon mustard and sour cream bring big flavor to the crispy, golden brown potatoes. Smoked salmon can be found near the seafood counter at most grocery stores. The dish comes together quickly, and aside from the eggs, which should be cooked just before serving, can stay warm in the oven waiting for guests to arrive.
Fill out the brunch table with fresh fruit, yogurt and a bowl of banana hemp granola. Reminiscent of freshly baked banana bread, this is a chewier version of the classically crunchy breakfast staple. Beating rolled oats with ripe banana, maple syrup and coconut oil in a stand mixer creates a mixture that sticks together in hearty chunks, even after baking. Make an extra batch if you’ve got the time, as this makes a great take-home for guests, especially as a road trip snack for those with longer travels home.
As we look forward to celebrating our baby’s first Christmas, we anticipate welcoming family into our home to enjoy home-cooked food and create new memories. Whether starting a new tradition yourself or relishing the rituals of years past, may your holiday season be a joyful and delicious one.