Before you pack away the holiday decorations and china, enjoy one more meal with family and friends--this make-ahead brunch planned specifically so you can relax instead of spending New Year's Day in the kitchen.
- Shrimp-and-Grits Casserole >>
- Raisin Muffins >>
- Sausage-Stuffed French Toast >>
- Chocolate Cream-Cheese Braids >>
- Italian Egg Casserole >>
- Tropical Ambrosia >>
Preparation Timeline:
Up to 3 days before:
• Make Maple-Praline Sauce and Chocolate Cream-Cheese Filling.
• Make dough for Chocolate Cream-Cheese Braids; refrigerate overnight.
2 days before:
• Assemble Chocolate Cream-Cheese Braids; let rise, then refrigerate, unbaked.
1 day before:
• Assemble grits for Shrimp-and-Grits Casserole.
• Assemble Sausage-Stuffed French Toast and Italian Egg Casserole; refrigerate, unbaked.
• Bake Raisin Muffins.
• Prepare fruit for Tropical Ambrosia.
On New Year's morning:
• Preheat oven.
1 hour before serving:
• Bake Italian Egg Casserole.
• Bake grits; make shrimp topping.
• Bake Sausage-Stuffed French Toast.
Just before serving:
• Warm Raisin Muffins in oven or in microwave.
• Warm Maple-Praline Sauce in microwave.
• Stir marshmallows, pecans, and coconut into Tropical Ambrosia.
Up to 3 days before:
• Make Maple-Praline Sauce and Chocolate Cream-Cheese Filling.
• Make dough for Chocolate Cream-Cheese Braids; refrigerate overnight.
2 days before:
• Assemble Chocolate Cream-Cheese Braids; let rise, then refrigerate, unbaked.
1 day before:
• Assemble grits for Shrimp-and-Grits Casserole.
• Assemble Sausage-Stuffed French Toast and Italian Egg Casserole; refrigerate, unbaked.
• Bake Raisin Muffins.
• Prepare fruit for Tropical Ambrosia.
On New Year's morning:
• Preheat oven.
1 hour before serving:
• Bake Italian Egg Casserole.
• Bake grits; make shrimp topping.
• Bake Sausage-Stuffed French Toast.
Just before serving:
• Warm Raisin Muffins in oven or in microwave.
• Warm Maple-Praline Sauce in microwave.
• Stir marshmallows, pecans, and coconut into Tropical Ambrosia.
