Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

This is one of those casseroles you can make ahead of time, chill in the refrigerator and bake when you are ready to serve it.  Great for those times you have overnight visitors or holidays like Christmas morning when you would rather spend time with your guests rather than spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

You can be versatile with the recipe . . . I love breakfast sausage, but I also love little smokies that I would love to experiment with, add onions, peppers or mushrooms . . . the choice is yours.  I would not experiment with the hash browns though.

The photo and recipe comes from Plain Chicken, one of my favorite food blogs.  The link to the website follows the recipe.  Steph's blog is like a lifestyle magazine with lots of delicious and practical recipes, all things family-related and interesting travel articles.

Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

serves 10

• 2 lb mild or hot breakfast sausage
• 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook sausage until no longer pink in a large skillet. Drain fat and set sausage aside.

Cook hash browns in skillet until lightly brown. 

Place hash browns in bottom of lightly greased 9x13-inch pan.  

Add sausage and cheese.

Whisk eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and milk . . . pour mixture in the pan.

Note:  Cover and refrigerate at this point if baking later.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.




Source

Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs Recipe

Deviled eggs are always a great choice for an appetizer for a party of your own, to take to someone else's party for the appetizer table or as a side for an informal lunch.

This recipe is a total departure from my regular deviled egg recipe and I love the addition of cream cheese. However, I would definitely not add the peas and can't imagine deviled eggs without mayonnaise (and I'm not fond of mustard).  So . . . for me, this recipe will be used as a guide.

Let me know what you think if you use this recipe!

Ingredients

8 hard-cooked eggs
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled



Directions 

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. 

Remove yolks; set whites aside. 

In a small bowl, mash yolks. Add the cream cheese, mustard, salt and pepper; beat until blended. 

Stir in peas.

Stuff or pipe mixture into egg whites. Sprinkle with bacon. Refrigerate until serving. 

Yield: 16 appetizers.


Nutritional Facts

1 stuffed egg half equals 97 calories, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 123 mg cholesterol, 155 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 5 g protein.


Source
Originally published as Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs in Country June/July 2008, p51

Tomato Bacon Omelette

This omelette was one of the most delicious experiments ever!

It was one of those mornings that I just wanted to sleep late, so The Captain made his own breakfast and left me some bacon for my breakfast.  Such a sweet guy :)  I knew I wanted an omelette since it is what I eat just about every morning.  We also have an abundance of tomatoes that need to be used up.  So I decided to make something different with the combination of tomato, bacon and mozzarella cheese.

Sorry for the awful photo, but I had to share this delicious discovery!

Ingredients:

• 2 or 3 beaten eggs
• 2 slices of crumbled cooked bacon
• 1 tomato
• 1 Tbsp butter
• salt to taste
• Mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Melt butter in pan and throw in diced tomatoes, add salt to taste.  Cook until tomatoes are falling apart or however you like cooked tomatoes.

Add crumbled cooked bacon.  Mix in with tomato.

Add beaten eggs, add a dash of salt to eggs before adding to pan.

Cook on one side and turn.

Top with your desired amount of mozzarella cheese.

Turn off the heat and cover the pan.

Omelette is done when the cheese is melted.

Oven Baked Breakfast Tacos

There is no time limit in my kitchen for breakfast!  It is my favorite meal and we have it morning, noon or night.

Breakfast Tacos!  I love the concept!  Another great recipe from Pillsbury!

These tacos are great for on-the-go breakfast, microwave leftovers for lunch, dinner or snacks.

Variations I would try . . . sausage instead of bacon, cheddar cheese instead of Monterey Jack.  Will try the original recipe first!

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 4 cups cubed (about 1 inch) potatoes
• 2 1/2 tablespoons Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix (from 1-oz package)
• 8 soft corn tortillas (6 inch)
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (2 oz)

Instructions

Heat oven to 375°F.

Place bacon slices in ungreased cookie sheet with sides. When oven is preheated, bake bacon 10 minutes. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes. Coarsely chop bacon into small pieces.

While bacon is baking, heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. 

Add potatoes; stir to coat in hot oil. 

Sprinkle taco seasoning mix over potatoes; stir to mix. 

Cook potatoes 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until potatoes are soft when pierced with tip of knife. (My suggestion: microwave cubed potatoes in a steamer container for 3 minutes, return to skillet for crisping)

In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, place tortillas standing against each other to form taco shells.

In another skillet, cook and stir beaten eggs over medium heat until they begin to scramble. Remove from heat.

Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup potatoes. Divide scrambled eggs and bacon evenly into each. Top each with 1 tablespoon cheese.

Bake 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo source:

Notes from Pillsbury

Cube the potatoes a day ahead and store in cold water in the refrigerator overnight.

Adjust the amount of taco seasoning mix to suit your spice level.

Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven for 10 minutes.

Ham and Cheese Omelet Bake

What an awesome breakfast!  As a big fan of breakfast food, I would have this meal any time of day.

Perhaps for breakfast, I would leave out the veggies . . . or I may have to include potatoes.  Lots of room for variation!

Ingredients

1

(10-oz.) box Green Giant® Frozen Broccoli & Cheese Flavored Sauce

1

(10.2-oz.) can (5 biscuits) Pillsbury® Grands!® Flaky Layers Refrigerated Original Biscuits

10

eggs

1 1/2

cups milk

1

teaspoon dry ground mustard

Salt and pepper, if desired

2

cups diced cooked ham

1/3

cup chopped onion

4

oz. (1 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese

4

oz. (1 cup) shredded Swiss cheese

1

(4.5-oz.) jar Green Giant® Sliced Mushrooms, drained

Instructions

• Heat oven to 350°F. Cut small slit in center of broccoli and cheese sauce pouch. Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes, rotating pouch 1/4 turn once halfway through microwaving. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, spray bottom only of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Separate dough into 5 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into 8 pieces; arrange evenly in sprayed dish.
• In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper with wire whisk until well blended. Stir in ham, onion, both cheeses, mushrooms and cooked broccoli and cheese sauce. Pour mixture over biscuit pieces in dish. Press down with back of spoon, making sure all biscuit pieces are covered with egg mixture.
• Bake at 350°F. for 40 to 50 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown and center is set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares.

Source:  Pillsbury.com

Bake-Off® Contest 41, 2004

Julie Amberson

Browns Point, Washington

Spanish Tortilla

Growing up, the Spanish Tortilla was one of my favorite comfort foods.

It is not a tortilla like a mexican tortilla, rather, more like an omelette.

My nana had many variations.  She routinely used chorizo (I don't like it and never use it), she would also add peas and/or onions.  I have made it adding bacon or breakfast sausage and it was delicious . . . I always top mine with cheddar cheese.  Use your imagination and what you like!  Whatever you do, use lots of potatoes . . . that is what makes this dish magical.

I'm remembering how awesome it was in a sandwich made with cuban bread and mayonnaise . . . haven't had it like that since I was a little girl.

INGREDIENTS

3 large potatoes

5 large eggs

handful of cheddar cheese

butter

salt to taste (I love using kosher salt)

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the potatoes.  Before I get into the making of the tortilla, I want to share how I prepare the potatoes, no matter what dish I use it in (other than mashed potatoes).  Great method for preparing home fries for breakfast!

Wash and dice the potatoes. You can peel the potatoes or not . . . whatever you prefer . . . I don't.  Place in a microwave container with a lid, add salt to taste and I like to add little pieces of butter on top of the potatoes throughout the container.  Cook in microwave about 5 minutes or until tender (you'll have to experiment with the time, it depends on the microwave).  That's it!  Your potatoes will brown in the frying pan in no time at all.  So much better than starting with raw potatoes!

To make the tortilla . . . place cooked potatoes in a buttered pan and fry until they brown, stirring often.  When the potatoes are as brown as you would like them, pour in the scrambled eggs (I season with salt when I scramble the eggs).

Some people like to use a plate to turn the tortilla, but I cut it in four pieces to make it easy to turn.

Top with your desired amount of cheddar cheese (optional), cover the pan and lower the heat.  Since I use stainless steel pans, I take it off the heat and let it finish cooking off the burner to prevent burning.

The gauge I use that the tortilla is done . . . 

when the cheese is all melty and gooey.

It is a quick, easy and delicious meal that I make often!  Hope you make it and enjoy it :)

Photo source and another Spanish Tortilla variation

with photos of the different steps


Recipes from Spain

Potato Nests

ingredients

• 1  20-oz. pkg.  refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
• 2    eggs, beaten
• 1  Tbsp.  snipped fresh chives
• 1/2  tsp.  salt
• 12    eggs
• 2/3  cup  milk
• 1/4  tsp.  salt
• 1/4  tsp.  ground black pepper
• 2  Tbsp.  butter or margarine
• 1-1/2  cups  shredded American cheese (6 ounces)
•     Fresh chives (optional)
• 
  

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together potatoes, the 2 beaten eggs, chives, and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Shape mixture into 12 mounds (about 1/3 cup each) on prepared baking sheet. Press the back of a tablespoon into each mound, making a nest. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned and set.

2. Meanwhile, beat together the 12 eggs, milk, the 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper with a rotary beater. In a 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat; pour in egg mixture. Cook over medium heat without stirring until mixture begins to set on the bottom and around edge.

3. With a spatula, lift and fold the partially cooked egg mxiture so that the uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until egg mixture is cooked through but is still glossy and moist. Remove from heat.

4. Spoon about 1/3 cup of egg mixture into each potato nest. Sprinkle cheese over eggs. Return to oven; bake about 2 minutes or until cheese melts. If desired, garnish with chives. Makes: 12 servings

nutrition facts

• 
  

• Calories205.3, 
• Total Fat (g)12.4, 
• Saturated Fat (g)6, 
• Cholesterol (mg)266.3, 
• Sodium (mg)487.6, 
• Carbohydrate (g)11, 
• Fiber (g).6, 
• Protein (g)12.2, 
• Vitamin C (DV%)5,
• Calcium (DV%)13, 
• Iron (DV%)6, 
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

My variations . . . Use large muffin pan instead of baking sheet . . . substitute cheddar cheese for american cheese . . . add bacon or sausage.  What an awesome presentation!

Recipe and photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

Deviled Eggs

Today is National Deviled Egg Day!

To celebrate the day, I have posted recipes  with variations and a  link for many more deviled egg recipes from the "Deviled Egg Gourmet"

Always keep your deviled eggs well-chilled, taking additional precautions in the summer months. Not a good idea to eat deviled eggs left out of the refrigerator for more than an hour or so, especially during hot weather.


Adapt the recipes to suit your lifestyle . . . use light mayonnaise to help cut down on the calories from fat to accommodate low cholesterol and low fat diet plans (with 50% less fat than regular mayonnaise). My choice is Hellman’s . . . regular mayonnaise will produce a creamier result.



Deviled Egg Recipe #1


Ingredients


12 large eggs, hard cooked, peeled, carefully sliced half
½ cup Mayonnaise
¼ cup Sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Prepared white horseradish
8 ounces Bacon, cooked crisp, drained, crumbled fine
4 Scallions, chopped fine




Directions


Put egg yolks into a small bowl and mash them with the back of a spoon.


Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard and horseradish. When yolk mixture is smooth, stir in bacon and scallions. Taste for seasoning. Using two spoons, stuff egg whites with the yolk mixture.


Source: Foodista






Deviled Egg Recipe #2


Ingredients


6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and cut lengthwise
¼ cup Light Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing
½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
½ teaspoon white vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Paprika for garnish




Directions


Remove the egg yolks to a small bowl and mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard powder, vinegar, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly. Fill the empty egg white shells with the mixture and sprinkle lightly with paprika.


Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day before serving.


Source: DeviledEggs.com . . . this website has lots of deviled egg recipes!






My Deviled Egg recipe


I don't measure!


Remove the egg yolks to a small bowl and mash with a form. Add mayonnaise, a bit of sour cream (optional) and a splash of pickle juice until desired texture and taste is achieved. 


Spice with a little salt and a dash of cayenne pepper to taste . . . use black pepper if you don't like spicy hot. Finely cut pickles and add to the mixture. 


Fill the egg whites with the mixture, sprinkle with paprika or cayenne pepper and garnish with a pickle slice cut in half.