Christmas Open House, Day 5

Today is our 14th wedding anniversary. We got married at this time of year because it was at the beginning of Christmas break for Mr. Wonderful's school, and he would have a couple of weeks off. But we both love Christmas so much, we probably would've had a Christmas wedding even if school hadn't been a factor. What better way to celebrate our anniversary and Christmas every year than by adding handmade ornaments to our tree!

2008 ornaments, his:

Mine (we were stationed in California at the time... lots of sea otters!):

2009, his:

And mine:

Today's recipe brings us to Christmas brunch. At our house, we open gifts on Christmas Eve, because we're grown-ups and can do whatever we want and because I can't wait 'til Christmas morning. There. It's out there. I can't wait. It's me, not him. Anyway, since all the excitement is on Christmas Eve, our Christmas Day is pretty low-key, and that includes a low-key meal. So we have brunch. All the preparation can be done the day before, which has the added benefit of distracting me from the goodies waiting for me under the tree. If I sound like a six-year-old, it's because when it comes to Christmas, I am. Here's our menu, which I'll be sharing over the next few days:

Southwestern Breakfast Casserole

Spicy Country Potatoes

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Syrup

Lemon-Orange Rolls

I came up with this menu, and if I do say so myself, it's scrumptious. It's a lovely balance of spicy, sweet, rich, light, savory, and citrus-y. It's my favorite special occasion meal, and I'm happy to share it with y'all.

Southwestern Breakfast Casserole

6 corn tortillas, cut into 1/2" strips

2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chilies

1 lb. sausage, cooked and drained

1/4 c. minced onion or fresh to taste

1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/4 c. milk

6 eggs

1/2 tsp. EACH: salt, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper

a couple of Roma or Campari tomatoes, sliced

paprika

In a greased 8" square baking dish, layer the following: 1/2 the tortilla strips, 1/2 the chilies, 1/2 the sausage, 1/2 the onions, and 1/2 the cheese. Repeat layers. In a bowl, beat with a fork: milk, eggs, and spices until well-mixed; pour over casserole. Top with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with paprika. If not baking immediately, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes or until set in the center and eggs are lightly browned. Serve with sour cream and salsa, if desired.

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Now that we've got the casserole ready, let's stitch! Two very pretty freebies in only one click. They're simple, but I've seen these stitched up in hand-dyed threads and they're beautiful. Be creative and use your favorites!

Merry Christmas, y'all!