Christmas Morning Brunch

A Christmas morning tradition since 1985, Southern Eggs and Kringler make a delicious and elegant do-ahead brunch that will garner raves from guests. The Southern eggs can be tossed together the day before, refrigerated overnight, and baked at 325 degrees for one hour on Christmas morning. Only cold cereal could be easier. The Kringler will disappear so fast you best taste it immediately. All the ingredients are already in larders waiting to be mixed; directions follow.

Southern Eggs

8 slices of cubed white bread with crusts removed (try whole grain white bread for extra nutrients.

1 cup grated cheddar cheese (mild or medium will do)

8 beaten eggs

2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon DRY mustard (yellow mustard will work in a pinch)

1/4 pound (1 stick) melted butter

Lightly grease a glass 9 X 13 pan. Layer the cubed bread on the bottom and add the grated cheese. Beat the eggs and milk, then add the salt and dry mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, then pour the melted butter over the top and refrigerate over night or at least 4 hours. Uncover and bake one hour in a 325 degree oven. Serves 6-8 hungry guests.

An additional delight is Grandma Milly's famous Kringler, filled with calories and flavor. Though it is messy, with flour everywhere, and hard to spread due to its thickness, once baked and frosted it will add a wonderful sweet element to a beautiful morning.

Kringler

Mix together like a pie crust, using a fork, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 tablespoon water. Pat onto an ungreased cookie sheet to form an oval shape.

Mix together in a saucepan 1 cup water, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Bring to a boil then remove from heat. While still hot, add 1 cup flour and mix. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating with an electric mixer after each egg has been added. The mixture will be very thick and hard to work with. Spread this mixture on top of the crust, as close to the edge of the crust waiting on the cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes.

Frost with a traditional frosting mixture of powdered sugar, butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a drop or two of milk or cream. Spread on the baked Kringler, then decorate with sliced cherries and slivered almonds. This does not freeze well so don't even try. Once the guests taste this Kringler, it will quickly disappear so make two, not one.

Add a pitcher of orange juice, bacon cooked in the microwave, fresh fruit mixed the day before and served in a crystal bowl, and the only thing left to say is Merry Christmas.