Favorite Things & a Favorite Tradition

After a well spent Friday night celebrating our company Christmas Party, I couldn't wait to attend our annual Favorite Things Brunch. Early each December, a group of gals gather at Bri's place to partake in some morning drinking, gift exchanging, and hard-core brunching. It is quickly turning into a favorite tradition. 

Bri's house is always decorated to the nines setting the perfect atmosphere for festive fun.

I especially love all of the little details she adds like these darling plates and napkins.

The gift exchange is always a highlight because we get to share our favorite things with our favorite ladies and in return get to come home with an array of treasures we never even knew we needed. 

This year the gifts were all over the map including beauty products, blanket scarves, bubbly, kitchen sheers, wine aerators (my contribution), pocket sized poopourri, and tons of other gems. 

Although I love all the presents, my favorite part is always the food & beverages.

Of course, mimosas & Bri's family twice baked french toast are a must along with seasonal donuts and an eggnog cocktail.  

I also like to bring a breakfast casserole each year to balance out the sweet and savory. It is always such a hit that I figured I would share my super simple recipe. It is great for brunches because you can make it the night before to minimize the day-of prep!

 INGREDIENTS

1 LB Bacon

1 Package Sliced Mushrooms

2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard

1/2 Cup Milk

8 Eggs

1 Package Frozen Hash Browns (Thawed)

2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Salt & Pepper to Taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook Bacon Until Crisp. Remove Bacon from Grease and Reserve.

2. Cook Mushrooms in Bacon Grease. Add Mustard and Season with Salt & Pepper.

3. Spread Half Hash Browns in a 13 x 9 Greased Baking Dish

4. Cover Hash Browns With Mushroom Mixture, Half of Bacon, and Half of Cheese

5. Layer Remaining Hash Browns on Top

6. Beat Eggs, Milk, and Salt & Pepper Together. Pour Evenly Over Baking Dish.

7. Top with Remaining Cheese & Bacon.

8. When Ready to Cook, Bake Covered for 1 Hour at 350 Degrees. Remove Cover for an Additional 15 Minutes or Until Cheese Melts & Egg is Fully Cooked. 

9. Let Rest and Enjoy!

 Cheers to Drinking Before Noon & All the Other Holiday Traditions!