Christmas Breakfast

Smoothies, casserole and coffeecake are casual and festive at the same time.

The holidays add new meaning to the phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”—because with a house full of guests, the morning meal should be something special. Who doesn’t love the luxury of a full breakfast? And the holidays give us the time to make it something special.

This menu features a cheesy egg casserole, which gets a kick from chorizo sausage and salsa. Reminiscent of pineapple upside down cake, the coffee cake is made festive with bright, tart cranberries. The smoothie, with its plum pudding flavors, is like Christmas in a glass.

The casserole is best made the day before and refrigerated. Then, pop in the oven in the morning. The coffeecake can be made up to three days ahead. Whiz the smoothie up in the blender, and brunch is served.

By Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough