Hosting a Family Holiday Event: Menu Ideas for 14 People
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Discussion Overview
The thread focuses on menu ideas for hosting a family holiday event, specifically a Christmas brunch for 14 people, including children. Participants share various dish suggestions and personal experiences related to brunch planning.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a first-time host, seeks help with menu planning, mentioning a desire to include Ham and Cheese Brunch Squares.
- Another participant suggests adding items like brie, tartlets, spinach dip, and an antipasto tray.
- One user shares a recipe for a salad known as "Karen's salad," which includes romaine lettuce, red onion, granny smith apple, craisins, walnuts, and parmesan cheese.
- A participant provides a detailed recipe for Baked Eggs Benedict, highlighting its ingredients and preparation steps.
- Another participant expresses a preference for breakfast foods, noting that brunch is a new concept for them.
- One user suggests baking bacon and serving fruit with dip, along with a recipe for Breakfast Cinnamon Casserole that has received positive feedback.
- A participant mentions their own brunch menu, including Sausage and Cheese Brunch Squares, bagels with whipped cream cheese, a cold cut platter, and various desserts.
- Another user expresses enthusiasm for the Eggs Benedict recipe, indicating a personal connection to the dish.
- One participant recommends a Spinach Artichoke Ring as a festive and easy option.
- Another user shares ideas for Mini Cinnamon Christmas Tree Rolls and Peachy Cheese Coffee Cake, offering to provide recipes if needed.
- One participant describes a Baked French Toast Casserole recipe, emphasizing its ease and potential appeal to guests.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ among participants regarding specific menu items and recipes, with no clear consensus emerging on a single preferred menu.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences and recipes, reflecting a variety of tastes and preferences for holiday brunch dishes.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants looking for inspiration and ideas for hosting holiday events may find the shared experiences and recipes beneficial.
- 699
2 bags romaine lettuce
1 red onion (finely chopped)
1 granny smith apple
1 small bag craisins
chopped walnuts
1 c parmasean cheese (or a cheese blend) from the specialty cheese section
Paul Newman's oil and vinegar salad dressing
It is soo yummy!
- 207
or
The Pampered Chef ®
Baked Eggs Benedict
Recipe
4 whole English muffins, split in half
1 package (8 ounces) sliced Canadian bacon
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups half and half
10 eggs
1/2-3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
Lemon-Butter Sauce
1-2 lemons
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into eight slices
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut English muffin halves into 3/4-inch pieces using Chef's Knife; arrange in a single layer on flat Baking Stone. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from oven; place muffin pieces into (12-in.) Skillet. Dice Canadian bacon into 1/2-inch pieces; sprinkle over muffin pieces and set aside.
2. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Meanwhile, in Stainless (4-qt.) Mixing Bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth using Stainless Whisk. While continuously whisking, gradually add half and half; whisk until smooth. Whisk in eggs and cayenne pepper. Carefully pour egg mixture into Skillet. Bake 18-22 minutes or until center appears nearly set when gently shaken (internal temperature should be 160°F); remove from oven and let stand 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.
3. Meanwhile, for lemon-butter sauce, zest lemon using Microplane® Adjustable Grater to measure 2 teaspoons zest. Juice lemons using Juicer to measure 1/4 cup juice. In (2-qt.) Saucepan, combine lemon zest and juice; cook over medium heat 2 minutes or until lemon juice reduces by half. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in butter slices, one at a time, whisking after each addition using Silicone Sauce Whisk until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
4. To serve, cut Baked Eggs Benedict into wedges using Small Nylon Turner. Drizzle each serving with lemon-butter sauce.
Yield: 12 servings
Nutrients per serving: (1 wedge and 2 teaspoons sauce): Calories 320, Total Fat 20 g, Saturated Fat 11 g, Cholesterol 230 mg, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 12 g, Sodium 430 mg, Fiber less than 1 g
Cook's Tip: Canadian bacon is a lean smoked meat that is closer in kin to ham than regular bacon. Thickly sliced deli baked ham can be substituted for the Canadian bacon, if desired.
Shopping List
4 whole English muffins
1 package (8 ounces) sliced Canadian bacon
4 ounces cream cheese
13/4 cups half and half
10 eggs
1/2-3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 small bunch fresh parsley
Lemon-Butter Sauce
1-2 lemons
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
Canadian bacon is a lean smoked meat that is closer in kin to ham than regular bacon. Thickly sliced deli baked ham can be substituted for the Canadian bacon, if desired.
© The Pampered Chef, Ltd.,
or
https://www.pamperedchef.com/images/cc/us/pdf/chicken_chili.pdf
- 337
Breakfast Cinnamon Casserole
2 packs of crescent rolls
8 oz cream cheese
¾ cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
Cinnamon to taste
½ stick of butter
In a casserole dish layer 1 pack of crescent rolls. Mix cream cheese and powdered
sugar together and spread over crescent rolls. Layer 2 nd pack of crescent rolls
over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle cinnamon over top to taste, sprinkle brown
sugar over that evenly. Slice the butter and place all over the top (pats of butter). Bake at 350
degrees for 20-30 min .
- 288
I too am making the "Sausage" and Cheese Brunch Squares
2 Dozen Bagels w/ 2 different whipped cream cheeses
Coldcut Platter (ham, rb, turkey, swiss and american) w Bread tray
Bread Tray (pumpernickel, rye and marble)
Olive Tray (marinated olives, roasted peppers and marinated artichoke hearts)
Fruit Salad
Christmas Cookies and
White Chocolate Cherry Almond Pound Cake (in my poinsetta bundt pan)
(oopps - my mom is making deviled eggs too)
- 2,682
- 484
- 1,052
Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup
Prep Time: 20 min Inactive Prep Time: 8 hr 0 min Cook Time: 40 min Level:
Easy Serves: 6 to 8 servings
1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces) (I generally buy two loaves of Pepperidge farm thick toasting cinnamon raisin bread for this part)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Maple syrup
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices.
At this point, I sprinkle dried cherries on it. Hey, they are fruit, and we need our fruit, and this makes it healthy, right??
Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.
The syrup is pretty much over the top, but some like it.
Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.
This is THE requested breakfast/brunch entree from my friends and family. It is so good, it's like Paula Deen says, "it's sinful!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy menu ideas for a family holiday event for 14 people?
For a family holiday event, consider a buffet-style menu that includes a mix of appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts. Some easy ideas include a baked ham or turkey as the main dish, accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a festive salad. For appetizers, you can serve a cheese platter, stuffed mushrooms, and shrimp cocktail. Don't forget a variety of desserts like pumpkin pie, cookies, and a chocolate cake to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.
How can I accommodate dietary restrictions for my holiday event?
To accommodate dietary restrictions, it's important to ask your guests in advance about any allergies or dietary preferences. Consider offering a variety of dishes, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free options. For example, you can prepare a quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, and a gluten-free dessert. Label all dishes clearly to help guests make informed choices.
What are some tips for serving a large group at a holiday event?
When serving a large group, it's helpful to set up a buffet-style meal to allow guests to serve themselves. This not only makes it easier for you but also lets guests choose their portions. Prepare dishes that can be made ahead of time and keep warm in slow cookers or warming trays. Additionally, consider using disposable plates and utensils for easy cleanup, or enlist help from family members to assist with serving and clearing dishes.
How can I make my holiday event more festive?
To make your holiday event more festive, focus on decorations, ambiance, and presentation. Use holiday-themed tablecloths, centerpieces, and place settings to create a warm atmosphere. Consider playing holiday music in the background and incorporating festive lighting, such as string lights or candles. For food presentation, use decorative platters and garnishes to make your dishes visually appealing.
What are some drink options to serve at a family holiday event?
For drinks, offer a variety of options to cater to all guests. You can serve a signature holiday cocktail, such as a spiced apple cider or a cranberry spritzer. Additionally, provide non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water, fruit juices, and soda. Don't forget to have coffee and tea available for those who prefer warm drinks. Having a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options ensures everyone has something to enjoy.
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