Christmas Brunch, A Family Tradition

Ever since I can remember, our family always opened presents on Christmas morning and ate a delicious brunch afterwards.  When I was a kid, I used to look forward to the part when we opened presents, but now as an adult and a foodie, I really look forward to the brunch!  It used to be simple: eggs, toast, and bacon.  There would be freshly squeezed orange juice every now and then.  When I started cooking a few years back, I gradually took over cooking the Christmas brunch.  Each year I try to come up with a different breakfast item, from breakfast burritos to asparagus fritatta, or pancakes and scrambled eggs.  I even attempted to make eggs benedict one year, but failed miserably with the hollandaise sauce.  Let's just say, thank goodness that the toasted English muffin, ham, and poached eggs were delicious without the sauce.

This year's menu was Challah french toast, Belgian waffles (2 kinds, regular and with chocolate chips), bacon, smokies, and a fresh fruit salad with strawberries, raspberries, and grapes.  Both the french toasts and waffles were a hit with the family.  That makes me really happy.  We also opened our presents on full and satisfied bellies.  That makes me extra happy.

Challah French Toast

Ingredients
- 1 loaf of challah bread
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- a few dashes of orange zest (optional)
- butter for griddle
- sifted powdered sugar for garnish
- sliced strawberries for garnish

Tools
- whisk
- griddle
- zester (optional)

Steps
1. Heat griddle on medium to high heat.

2. While the griddle is heating up, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, and orange zest (if using) together.  Slice the challah bread, in 1/2 inch increments.

3. Place a small chunk of butter on the griddle and let it melt.  Dip a sliced challah bread in the liquid mixture and place the bread on the griddle.  Repeat until griddle is full.  Cook the bread for about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Serves 4-6, with powdered sugar, warm maple syrup, and butter.

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Belgian Waffles (with or without Chocolate Chips)

Ingredients
- 2 cups Bisquick mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Tools
- whisk
- waffle maker

Steps
1. Heat the waffle maker.

2. Whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together.  Pour in the Bisquick flour and mix until incorporated (lumps are totally OK!).  Mix in chocolate chips if adding.

3. Pour about 1/2 cup of mixture in the waffle maker.  Cook until ready, according to the waffle maker's cooking instructions.  Here are some tips from a previous waffle post.

Makes 4-5 Belgian waffles.