There is a level of excitement in the air during the holidays that is unlike any other time of year. But with that excitement comes an element of chaos that can get in the way eat carefully and healthily.
That’s why, when it comes to holiday entertaining, I try to cook as much as possible ahead of time – and that includes the often-forgotten Christmas lunch. I make as much of the brunch as I can the night before so that I can spend time with friends and family (not alone in the kitchen) that morning.
Here are a few favorites that always seem to be winners:
1. SLICING CITRUS SALAD
The night before: Cut the rind off a mix of citrus (tangerines, blood oranges and pink grapefruits work well together) and cut into circles. Place in a wide bowl and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Refrigerate overnight.
In the morning: To serve, tear some mint leaves over the top and serve as is, or pour a bit of sparkling wine over the top as a fancy “dressing”. Nothing says happy holidays like a mimosa on a fork!
2. PRE-POACHED EGGS
The night before: Poach the eggs and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
In the morning: Carefully drop the eggs into a pan of very hot water to reheat. Voilaone — easy poached eggs for a quantity without breaking a shell.
3. VEGGIE EGG SCRAMBLE
The night before: Cook greens with chopped onion and garlic until tender. Spread in a greased ovenproof dish. Crack and scramble the eggs, then refrigerate in an airtight container.
In the morning: Season the chilled scrambled eggs and pour them over the vegetables and put in the oven. Within minutes you have a hot, healthy meal to share.
4. DIY BAKELS & LOX
The night before: Fill a large dish with all the toppings – capers, sliced ​​red onion, tomato slices, dill leaves, etc. – add cream cheese and smoked salmon. Include salad leaves on the dish if someone would rather have a salmon wrap. Cover and chill.
In the morning: Set the platter out with a basket of pre-sliced ​​bagels and a toaster. Guests can customize their bagels and toppings, while you can spend time chatting with them instead of taking their orders.
5. OVERNIGHT HARE PARFAITES
The night before: Prepare overnight oats as you normally would, then place spoonfuls in pretty glasses or jars with fresh fruit or other delicious mixes. Save any nuts and seeds to add in the morning so they stay crunchy. Combine seasonal flavors like cranberries and toasted macadamia nuts with coconut yogurt or ginger yogurt with diced pears and pomegranate.
In the morning: All you have to do is top with any nuts and seeds and spoon out!
6. BAKED HASHBROWN CASSEROLE
The night before: Place the potatoes, vegetables and other accessories in an ovenproof dish and bake until the potatoes and vegetables are tender. Then cool, cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning: Crack eggs directly on the bottom and throw it all in the oven just until the eggs are cooked.
7. SLOW COCKER POORISH
The night before: Use a slow cooker to simmer congee, a traditional Chinese combination of white rice and chicken, or your favorite grain to bubble it to perfection while you sleep.
In the morning: Place a stack of bowls next to the pot. Place chopped scallions, soy sauce and toasted nuts in serving bowls to top the congee. You can even top it with your pre-poached eggs for extra protein. If you prefer something sweet but still want some early morning nutrition, make a brown rice pudding the same way with dried cranberries, toasted almonds and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Originally published December 18, 2017
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