MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - March 29, 2010) - (Family Features) Hosting an Easter brunch is a great way to bring friends and family together. And it doesn't have to be hard or expensive. Here are some simple things you can do to ensure a memorable celebration without the hassle.
Take Inventory. Pull out the dishes, platters, silverware and glassware to make sure you have what you need. If needed, spruce up any silver and table linens a few days before, so you can concentrate on other things the day-of the event.
Set a Pretty Table. For creative place cards, try Easter eggs. Put a narrow strip of tape around the middle of each egg before you dye it. When it's dry, peel off the tape and write each name in the white space with a thin line permanent marker.
Keep it Centered. For an inexpensive centerpiece, leverage simplicity:
- Fill a glass bowl or vase with colorful Easter eggs -- real or plastic.
- Put a potted plant inside an Easter basket.
- Set white or ivory votive candles on top of a flat mirror.
Plan the Menu. The main thing you must always remember is to keep it simple. Don't be afraid to use store bought items and recipes that can be made ahead of time. These simple time savers leave you more time to relax to enjoy your guests.
- Buy instead of baking. Muffins, fruit pastries and seasonal Easter breads can all be found in the bakery section of your grocery store.
- Provide a lighter side dish such as a simple fruit salad. Squeeze lemon or orange juice on the fruit to help it keep from turning brown.
- Create a simple, yet special main dish such as a crustless quiche. With this easy recipe from Hillshire Farm, you simply combine flavorful beef smoked sausage with cheese and eggs for a mouth-watering dish. You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, cover the baking dish with foil and keep it in the fridge until just before the party. Remove the foil, bake as instructed and watch your guests enjoy. You can find other tempting smoked sausage and polska kielbasa Easter recipes at gomeat.com.
Crustless Quiche
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 servings
| 1 | package Hillshire Farm Beef Smoked Sausage |
| 8 | eggs, lightly beaten |
| 1 1/2 | cups heavy whipping cream |
| 1 1/2 | teaspoons dry mustard |
| 1/4 | teaspoon salt |
| 1/8 | teaspoon ground black pepper |
| 1 1/2 | cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided |
| 1/2 | cup chopped green bell pepper |
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut sausage into 1/2-cubes; set aside.
Place eggs, cream, dry mustard, salt and black pepper in a large bowl; whisk until smooth.
Stir in sausage, 1 cup of cheese and green pepper. Pour egg mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
