The holidays are full of activity, which can feel overwhelming at times. It’s important to keep schedules flexible so you can truly enjoy these special moments with loved ones. Holiday mornings are a wonderful time to slow down and enjoy the presence of friends and family before the hustle and bustle of the rest of the day.
The California dairy families behind Real California Milk understand the value of holiday morning traditions and the important emotional connections made when sharing a meal together. These family farmers work hard to produce affordable, nutritious milk in a sustainable way. This milk is the base for ingredients that make holiday mornings mean more. To help you make the most of your holidays, here are seven essential tips that add value to family breakfasts and brunches.
1. Plan ahead to save time
Time is a precious commodity, especially during the holidays. During this season, you likely have family and friends who are only in town for a short while, so advance prep is the key to getting out of the kitchen.
This recipe for cheesy hash brown egg bites is easy to cook the night before and reheat in the morning. In just 45 minutes, you’ll cook up a dozen servings of these savory breakfast bites using affordable ingredients like Real California Cheddar cheese and cottage cheese, hash browns, eggs and bacon, all of which you can reuse in other meals!
2. Start the day with a warm cup of joy
Make holiday mornings extra special with fun and festive hot drinks. Prepare a hot chocolate bar with toppings and liqueurs to create a cozy holiday morning they won’t soon forget. Take it to the next level by putting together a hot and tasty beverage board!
In addition to the base ingredients for hot chocolate and coffee, lay out mini marshmallows, a variety of cookies, peppermint sticks and herbs. Artfully arrange these items on the board and set it out for your family to enjoy a warm holiday drink in the morning and throughout the day.
3. Get the kids involved
Your kids may not remember all the gifts, but they’ll hold on to memories you make together for the rest of their lives. Make holiday memories by getting them involved in making morning meals. Younger kids can help by mixing batters, arranging fruit and setting and decorating the table. As they age, you can give them more responsibilities and teach them valuable life skills they will use long after they’ve left the nest.
4. Simplicity for stress-free mornings
Holiday mornings can be chaotic whether you’re managing enthusiasm for gift opening, hosting loved ones overnight or welcoming friends and family to your breakfast table. Make morning easier by focusing on simple, delicious dishes that can be batch prepped.
For example, take the work out of pancakes, a time-consuming crowd-pleaser, by making chocolate chip sheet pan pancakes instead. The batter only takes 15 minutes to make and 15 minutes to bake. While it cooks in the oven, you can create a festive pancake board with various fruit toppings, whipped California cream and flavored butters and syrups to greet your family as they wake up to a magical morning.
5. Let nutrition power your day
Holidays can be packed with activities and gatherings. Make sure you’re starting with a nutritious meal to help you enjoy every minute of the holiday.
A balanced breakfast can put the whole family on the right track. Think dairy, lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. In fact, including California dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt provides 13 essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D and protein, which support immune function and are foundational components of healthy dietary patterns recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Add balance to your morning to support your family’s health and wellness this holiday season!
6. Get creative with unconventional recipes
Break away from standard breakfast fare with internationally inspired savory recipes like these California breakfast sopes. Get everyone involved in making this holiday treat by creating an assembly line to make and shape the sope masa, fry them up, cook up the eggs and prepare the toppings. Once it’s done, you’ll already have a station prepared for a delicious sopes breakfast bar.
7. Create family traditions
Holiday traditions unlock the magic of the season and create a sense of belonging and nostalgia. Whether you start with traditions from your youth or create new ones with friends and family — food is an important part of the celebration.
Holiday mornings offer an opportunity to create special memories. Let these seven tips inspire you this holiday season. To find more recipes for holiday breakfast and brunch, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com/Recipes.