BREAKFAST CASSEROLE AND SPECIAL MEMORIES
Hi there ...
Don't you love how special recipes bring to mind special memories? I do! This afternoon we are expecting a visit from Danny and Becky Crow! The Crows live in Ellicott City, Maryland, but a long, long time ago Becky lived in Kentwood! Danny is pastor at Covenant Baptist Church in Ellicott City.
Since they are rare visitors, I wanted to give them a big hearty breakfast in the morning before they proceed to their final destination - Florida! So nothing says breakfast like breakfast casserole! Agree? Your guests will think you are really a Proverbs woman, rising early and baking .... this will fool them every time if you don't tell your secret!
I pulled out my Kentwood Centennial Celebration cookbook (couldn't locate my red Kentwood FBC Youth Cookbook where the recipe first gained my attention - I fear it is in my camper in Arkansas), and turned right to Hazel Allen's Breakfast Casserole. Now, those of you who know Hazel are already smiling! Because that's exactly what she brings to the faces of everyone she meets, whether downtown, in the neighborhood, or wherever. Her sister, Rose, is just like her! Hazel just might show up anywhere, anytime, with a fresh story to relate! I have used her recipe for years and always savor the aroma when it's baking, and I cherish the sweet memories each time I prepare this dish.
I thought with the holidays approaching you might enjoy the recipe for this easy, make-ahead dish. I love, love, love anything that can be prepared ahead of time so more time is left for visiting! There are a ton of similar recipes on the Internet (cooks.com for one), but this one will always be my favorite ... just because. Since I just got my casserole made and in the fridge chilling while the flavors "marry", I now have time to share the recipe with you! Here you go:
HAZEL ALLEN'S BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
1 lb. (hot) pork sausage
6 slices bread
Soft butter (lots of it!)
1-1/2 cups sharp grated cheese
5 eggs, well beaten
2 cups Half and Half
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
Cook sausage; stir and crumble. Drain on paper towel. Spread bread with butter; cut in cubes. Layer bread in pan or dish. Sprinkle with drained sausage. Top with cheese.
Mix remaining ingredients; beat well and pour over mixture.
Chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. Freezes well. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. Serves 6 or more. Great for Christmas morning!
NOTE FROM VELTA:
I use regular sausage. I think any kind of bread would work; I use a little more cheese and also add an extra egg. I have made it with regular milk - but it's - well, it's just not as rich as it could be!
It's a no fail recipe and very forgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! God is so good and showers so many wonderful blessings on us. I am blessed with a wonderful family and more friends than I deserve. I am thankful! Thank you, again, Hazel! You are a blessing to so many and especially to your family and wide circle of friends!
PS: I apologize for the duplicate entries on my previous blog about our trip!
Don't you love how special recipes bring to mind special memories? I do! This afternoon we are expecting a visit from Danny and Becky Crow! The Crows live in Ellicott City, Maryland, but a long, long time ago Becky lived in Kentwood! Danny is pastor at Covenant Baptist Church in Ellicott City.
Since they are rare visitors, I wanted to give them a big hearty breakfast in the morning before they proceed to their final destination - Florida! So nothing says breakfast like breakfast casserole! Agree? Your guests will think you are really a Proverbs woman, rising early and baking .... this will fool them every time if you don't tell your secret!
I pulled out my Kentwood Centennial Celebration cookbook (couldn't locate my red Kentwood FBC Youth Cookbook where the recipe first gained my attention - I fear it is in my camper in Arkansas), and turned right to Hazel Allen's Breakfast Casserole. Now, those of you who know Hazel are already smiling! Because that's exactly what she brings to the faces of everyone she meets, whether downtown, in the neighborhood, or wherever. Her sister, Rose, is just like her! Hazel just might show up anywhere, anytime, with a fresh story to relate! I have used her recipe for years and always savor the aroma when it's baking, and I cherish the sweet memories each time I prepare this dish.
I thought with the holidays approaching you might enjoy the recipe for this easy, make-ahead dish. I love, love, love anything that can be prepared ahead of time so more time is left for visiting! There are a ton of similar recipes on the Internet (cooks.com for one), but this one will always be my favorite ... just because. Since I just got my casserole made and in the fridge chilling while the flavors "marry", I now have time to share the recipe with you! Here you go:
HAZEL ALLEN'S BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
1 lb. (hot) pork sausage
6 slices bread
Soft butter (lots of it!)
1-1/2 cups sharp grated cheese
5 eggs, well beaten
2 cups Half and Half
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
Cook sausage; stir and crumble. Drain on paper towel. Spread bread with butter; cut in cubes. Layer bread in pan or dish. Sprinkle with drained sausage. Top with cheese.
Mix remaining ingredients; beat well and pour over mixture.
Chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. Freezes well. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. Serves 6 or more. Great for Christmas morning!
NOTE FROM VELTA:
I use regular sausage. I think any kind of bread would work; I use a little more cheese and also add an extra egg. I have made it with regular milk - but it's - well, it's just not as rich as it could be!
It's a no fail recipe and very forgiving!Happy Thanksgiving everyone! God is so good and showers so many wonderful blessings on us. I am blessed with a wonderful family and more friends than I deserve. I am thankful! Thank you, again, Hazel! You are a blessing to so many and especially to your family and wide circle of friends!
PS: I apologize for the duplicate entries on my previous blog about our trip!
I love all your special recipes for sure! Thanks for all the cooking help yesterday and for holding my hand through the phone while I made dressing--it was a hit thanks to you! Can't wait to see you in just two days, Mama Vee! Love you!
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