Mother's Day Brunch Menu & Recipes

Both of the recipes provided can be made the night before, to make it easier to enjoy your day.

Mother’s Day Brunch Menu

Chilled Tomato Juice & Chilled Cranberry Juice
Carrot & Celery Platter
Judy’s Breakfast Casserole (recipe provided)
Fresh Melon Slices & Red Grapes
Martha’s Cheese Grits (recipe provided)
Bagels and Cream Cheese

Judy’s Breakfast Casserole

My sister Judy has made this several times. It is wonderful! And you can make it the night before.

2 large baking potatoes, unpeeled and cubed
¼ cup butter or margarine
¼ cup all purpose flour
1-cup milk
1 cup half and half
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
½ teaspoon pepper
12 hard cooked eggs, sliced
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups soft whole wheat bread crumbs (4 slices bread)
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Cover potato cubes with water in a large saucepan. Boil 15 minutes just until tender. Melt the ¼ cup butter in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, a few minutes to cook off the flour taste. Gradually add milk and half and half. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Add cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper stirring constantly until cheese melts. Remove from heat. Layer half each of egg slices, bacon and cheese sauce in a lightly greased 13x9x2 casserole dish. Top with potatoes. Top with remaining egg slices, bacon and cheese sauce. Combine breadcrumbs and 3 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle over casserole. Cover and chill overnight, if desired. Remove from refrigerator. Let stand at room temp for 30 minutes. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Makes 10 servings.


Martha’s Cheese Grit Casserole

My mom made this, a Kentucky favorite. Make it the night before as well.

4 cups water
1-cup grits
1-teaspoon salt
½ stick butter
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon minced onion (can use dried, just use ½ teaspoon)
Pinch of minced garlic
Pepper on top

Bring water to a boil, stir in grits, and cook, stirring frequently until thickened. Remove from heat. Add butter, salt, cheese, onion, and garlic. Stir and put lid on pot. After 5 minutes, pour into a greased casserole dish. It will appear a little thin. Refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

I took this to a Derby Party – only I added ½ pound fried and crumbled bacon. Yum!