There is an 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 consciously and healthily.
That’s why when it comes to holiday entertaining, I try to prepare as much food in advance as possible – and that includes the often-forgotten Christmas breakfast. I prepare as much of brunch as possible the night before so I can spend time with friends and family in the morning (and not be alone in the kitchen).
Here are a few favorites that always seem to be winners:
1. SLICE-AHEAD CITRUS SALAD
The evening before: Cut the zest from a mixed citrus fruit (tangerines, blood oranges, and pink grapefruits go great together) and cut into circles. Place in a wide bowl and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Refrigerate overnight.
In the morning: To serve, pick a few mint leaves for the top and serve as is, or pour some sparkling wine over the top as a fancy “dressing”. Nothing says happy holidays like a mimosa on a fork!
2. PREPOACHED EGGS
The evening before: Poach the eggs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Cover with plastic wrap and chill.
In the morning: Carefully drop the eggs into a pot of very hot water to reheat them. Voilhas – easy poached eggs for a large crowd without cracking a shell.
3. VEGGIE EGG SCRAMBLE
The evening before: Cook the vegetables with chopped onions and garlic until soft. Sprinkle into a greased baking dish. Crack and mix the eggs, then refrigerate in an airtight container.
In the morning: Season the cooled scrambled eggs, pour over the vegetables and put in the oven. Within minutes you’ll have a warm, healthy meal to share.
4. DIY BAGELS & LOX
The evening before: Fill a large platter with all the toppings – capers, sliced
In the morning: Set out the platter with a basket of pre-cut bagels and a toaster. Guests can customize their bagels and toppings while you spend time chatting with them instead of taking their orders.
5. PERFECT OVERNIGHT OAT
The evening before: Prepare overnight oats as usual, then spoon it into pretty jars or jars with fresh fruit or other tasty mix-ins. Save all nuts and seeds to add in the morning to keep them crunchy. Combine seasonal flavors like cranberries and toasted macadamia nuts with coconut yogurt or ginger yogurt with diced pears and pomegranate seeds.
In the morning: All you have to do is place nuts and seeds on top and get spoons ready!
6. BAKED HASHBROWN CASSEROLE
The evening before: Layer potatoes, vegetables and other side dishes in an ovenproof baking dish and bake until the potatoes and vegetables are soft. Then let it cool, cover it and put it in the fridge overnight.
In the morning: Crack the eggs directly onto the base and throw the whole thing into the oven until the eggs are cooked.
7. SLOW COOKER PORRIDGE
The evening before: Use a slow cooker to simmer congee, a traditional Chinese combination of white rice and chicken, or your favorite grain to bubbly to perfection while you sleep.
In the morning: Place a stack of bowls next to the pot. Add chopped scallions, soy sauce, and toasted nuts to 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 your morning nourishment, make a brown rice porridge in the same way with dried cranberries, toasted almonds and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Originally published December 18, 2017
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