Vintage Recipe Friday--A Brunch Bake and Take

Once upon a time, a vintage bride needed to have a stocked pantry and a repertoire of tried and true recipes to feel accomplished--including a reliable Brunch Bake.

Today's Vintage Recipe Friday feature is a truly old-fashioned brunch bake. This is a recipe that is meant to be made the night before and refrigerated (just remember to pick up an extra dozen eggs at the store). That way, the next morning, you can slide it into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes and enjoy your coffee, because the meal is made.  It also makes it easy to take to a covered dish brunch. If you have weekend guests--add a fruit salad, juice and muffins to the menu for a brunch that will make you feel as accomplished as a vintage bride!

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Bacon and Egg Brunch Bake

1/2 cup butter (divided)

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

12 eggs beaten

1 1/2 cups soft breadcrumbs

2 cups milk

1 cup shredded cheese

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (may substitute cooked and cubed ham)

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 can sliced mushrooms

Melt the butter and add flour, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until it bubbles. Gradually stir in milk, cooking until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Mix in cheese and set aside. Saute onions in 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add eggs, cook and stir until they begin to set. Add bacon, mushrooms and cheese sauce. Mix well. Pour into a greased 11X17X2-inch baking dish. Melt remaining butter, toss with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top of casserole. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

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I love this dining table in the adorable Bed and Breakfast where we spent       
our honeymoon and even our 20th anniversary!

I don't know what it is about baking in the morning--but having yummy things come out of the oven makes the kitchen feel cozy and inviting. A nice brunch gets you fueled up for a busy day!

"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, fo real comfort."

--Jane Austen