Here we come a Waffle-ing...

We don't have any young kids in our family this year, but I know that Christmas morning gets hectic and busy very quickly and before we know it wrapping paper is everywhere and everyone is starving. There are some really great recipes that you can make ahead of time, thus doing minimal work on Christmas morning to feed all of your hungry family and guests!

First, look to my previous post about Christmas brunch; the recipes are fantastic and everyone will love them!

Second, go over to Smitten Kitten and see the post at How to Host a Brunch and Still Sleep In.

Third, if you want something less traditional, try this Emeril favorite make ahead casserole:

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

courtesy of Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients

• 6 poblano chile peppers, about 1 1/2 pounds
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 pounds Mexican chorizo, or other hot sausage, removed from casings and crumbled
• 1 cup chopped yellow onions
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 5 corn tortillas, quartered
• 10 large eggs
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, green tops only
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 1/2 cups grated pepper jack
• 1 1/2 cups grated medium cheddar
• Sour Cream, garnish
• Picante Sauce (store bought), garnish

Directions

1. Roast the peppers by placing them on an open gas flame, turning them frequently with tongs until all sides are charred black, about 7 to 10 minutes. (Alternately, the peppers can be roasted under a broiler, or on top of a gas or charcoal grill.) Place the blackened peppers in a plastic or paper bag, and let rest until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Peel the peppers, split in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and the stems.
2. Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Spread the chiles in a flat layer across the bottom of the dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, stirring to break up the meat, until browned. Add the onions and bell peppers, and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and chili powder, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and half-and-half with the hot sauce, salt and black pepper.
5. In another bowl, combine the green onions, cilantro, jack, and cheddar, and mix well.
6. Spoon 1/3 of the sausage mixture over the chiles in the dish, top with 1/3 of the tortilla quarters, and 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layering, ending with a cheese layer. Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients. Let rest, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
8. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, and a knife inserted into the custard comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream and picante sauce.

Fourth, for those of you who have more time give these recipes a try. They are real crowd pleasers and you can get creative in toppings:

Basic Waffle Recipe

courtesy of Alton Brown, Food Network

Ingredients

• 4 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 1 cup
• 4 3/4 ounces whole-wheat flour, approximately 1 cup
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 whole eggs, beaten
• 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces buttermilk, room temperature
• Vegetable spray, for waffle iron

Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flours, soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl beat together eggs and melted butter, and then add the buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
3. Ladle the recommended amount of waffle batter onto the iron according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Close iron top and cook until the waffle is golden on both sides and is easily removed from iron. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve.

to top it all off:

Buttermilk Syrup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup real butter
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 tsp. light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Cook the butter, white sugar, corn syrup, and buttermilk in a saucepan until boiling, then add baking soda and vanilla

Christmas morning doesn't have to be just about presents. A great way to start the day is with a delicious meal for family and friends! Have a tasty Christmas!

photo: iStock