Best Christmas Morning Breakfasts

As much fun as December brings, it also brings a lot of running around. If you’re anything like me, by the time December 24th rolls around you are ready to rest! Holiday baking, tree lightings, various Christmas parties (from work to church to family to friends), and hunting for the perfect gift can make a beautiful time of the year OVERWHELMING. But on Christmas morning, I rest. If something was forgotten, it must wait. No stores are open and the only thing I am required to do is enjoy my family while wishing Baby Jesus a happy birthday. The easiest way to do that is to plan ahead. I have a small arsenal of make or at least prep ahead breakfasts (or brunch depending on how long it takes to open the gifts from Santa). Just in case you need a few ideas, I thought I would share these with you.

First thing you should know is I have a sweet tooth! And this creamy Crème Brulee French Toast has a sweet caramel layer, custard-like bread filling and a slightly crunchy top with toasted almonds and is everything I could want for breakfast… well I would want bacon too.

Crème Brulee French Toast
½ Cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
6 ( 1 inch thick ) slices French bread
5 Eggs
1 ½ cups half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brandy-based orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
¼ teaspoon salt

1- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix in brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour into a 9X 13-inch baking dish.
2-  Arrange bread in the baking dish in a single layer. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, orange brandy, and salt. Pour over the bread. Cover, and chill at least 8 hours, or overnight.
3- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C ). Remove the dish from the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature.
4- Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until puffed and lightly browned.
5- Serve with toasted almonds or topped with fresh fruit.

Since I mentioned bacon, I will let you know the best way to cook bacon is in the oven on a sheet pan lined in foil (easy clean up!) at 350 for about 20-40 minutes depending on the thickness of your bacon.

Looking for a warm and filling savory make ahead? Breakfast Lasagna has layers of pasta noodles between peppery sausage gravy, sauteed veggies, and lots of cheese.

BREAKFAST LASAGNA
Sausage Gravy:
2 pounds premium bulk sausage (Jimmy Dean or better)
1 cup butter
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to season
½ gallon of milk or half and half (approximately)

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Sauté sausage until done. Add butter and melt: add enough flour to make a good roux. Cook approximately 5 minutes. Add milk and continue cooking until a nice consistency is reached.

Remaining Ingredients
Sautéed vegetables (mixture of spinach, peppers, squash, your choice)
4-6 cups shredded cheese (combination of Cheddar, mozzarella, Jack, and Swiss)
Parmesan Cheese
1 box lasagna noodles, cooked

In lasagna pan, place a thin layer of sausage gravy and a layer of noodles, a layer of sautéed vegetables, and a layer of mixed cheese. Continue layering, in this order, until dish is full. Top with a layer of cheese and sliced Roma tomatoes.
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour. This dish may be assembled the night before.

We are in the south so I can’t finish this list without my family’s Cheesy Grits & Sausage recipe, the one that has been gracing our Christmas morning buffet for years.

Uncle Dave’s grits
3 cups water
1 cup quick-cooking grits
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
2 pounds bulk hot pork sausage, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3 eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
Pepper to taste

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and ½ teaspoon salt. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. In a large bowl, combine grits, sausage and 1 ½ cups cheese. Beat the eggs and milk; stir into grits mixture. Add the butter, pepper and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
3. Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese; bake 15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Another recipe perfect for a simple relaxed breakfast is canned cinnamon rolls. That doesn’t sound appealing? Try making these instead and sit back waiting for all the rave reviews!

Giant Cinnamon Roll
2 cans cinnamon rolls
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup melted butter
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon softened butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
3-6 tablespoons milk
2 packets of prepared icing

1. Lightly grease 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Place one roll in the center of the pan. Unroll the next cinnamon roll and wrap around the center roll. Continue with all additional rolls. (any rolls that don’t fit around first roll just add to fill in spaces of the pan)
3. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour on top of rolls.
4. Pour heavy cream in pan, around cinnamon rolls.
5. Wrap in foil.
6. Bake in 350 oven 25-30 minutes (longer if straight from the fridge) They should be soft, but not gooey.
7. Mix icing ingredients in bowl, starting with only one tablespoon of milk. Adding more as it reaches your desired consistency. Pour over warm cinnamon rolls
8. ENJOY

All of this food is making me thirsty, you? How about a tasty Holiday punch that you can serve to Santa’s elves of any age.

Christmas Punch
4 cups cranberry juice
4 cups orange juice
4 cups sparkling apple cider
4 cups ginger ale
1 – 2 cups vodka (optional, but appreciated)
Ice

Combine all ingredients. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices

Recurring Weekly Events

Fridays – Date Night Cocktail tour starts at Sassafras Southern Bistro at 5pm.  This  two hour around Main Street includes 4 appetizers and 4 cocktails as well great company and a brief history of the area.

Saturdays– The Greenville State Farmers Markets hosts Small Vendors Saturday.

Every Saturday morning in November you can shop with our small vendors. Choose from Fresh produce, plants, a variety of handmade crafts, soaps, candles, jewelry, and baked goods. The Greenville State Farmers Market is located at 1354 Rutherford Rd. 8 am to 12 pm

Mondays – Sundays – United Community Bank Ice on Main
Ice on Main is an open outdoor ice-skating rink in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Located at Village Green near the Courtyard Marriott, you’ll truly be skating in a winter wonderland when you skate on Main Street! The rink is open 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day. M-F – 2 pm – 9 pm, Sat-Sun – 11am – 10 pm,

Everyday- The 38th annual Festival of Trees  Spectacularly decorated trees line the entranceway of two hotels in downtown Greenville, giving visitors and community members the chance to experience the magic of the holidays. View trees November 17 thru December 25 at Courtyard Marriott Downtown and Hyatt Regency Greenville.

December 1-3

Dec 1 – Main Street Night of Lights Come watch Main Street light up while you rock around the 30 foot Christmas tree adorned with 25, 500 LED lights. The festivities, including food trucks and venders, live music, and a special visit from Santa Claus begins at 5:30, with the official tree lighting happening between 6 and 6:15pm.

Dec 1 – First Friday Gallery Crawl
The first Friday of every month from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. First Friday invites you to navigate Greenville’s visual arts scene as galleries and venues are open to the public from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. For a list of galleries and shops and a map to help you plan your crawl just click on the link above.

Nov 30-Dec 2 – The Greenville Convention Center hosts the 53rd Annual Holiday Fair
Whether it’s a family tradition or your first time attending, the Holiday Fair is far more than Christmas décor. They offer the region’s largest selection of holiday arts, crafts, and gifts for everyone on your list. Exhibitors include more than 350 crafters and commercial vendors in this three-day award-winning fair that gives shoppers a chance to support small businesses this holiday season. T-F 10-8, S 10-6.

Dec 2: Downtown Greenville Main Street Poinsettia Christmas Parade Come pick your perfect spot to watch the parade that has kicked off the holiday season here in Greenville for more than 75 years. The Parade begins at 6:00pm

Nov 30 – Dec 2 – The Greenville Theatre presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The retelling of this classic story follows Charlie Bucket on his golden ticket journey into the magical world of Willy Wonka. T-7:30 pm, F-8pm, Sat 2 pm and 8 pm, Sun – 3 pm

Dec 1 – 3 – Centre Stage presents All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht”. Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace. A remarkable true story told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. F-8:00 pm, Sun-3 pm

Dec 1- 3 – The Peace Center hosts The Nutcracker: Once Upon A Time In Greenville, The classic production highlights Victorian societal expectations and prosperity while Clara and her beloved Nutcracker dance their way through the cherished landmarks and stunning scenery of Greenville and into the hearts of the audience. F-7:30 pm, Sat. 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun-2 pm

Dec 1 – 4 – The Gunter Theater hosts The Screwtape Letters
A battle for your soul is being waged from an office in hell! The provocative, and wickedly funny theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ book is about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. The Screwtape Letters creates a topsy-turvy, morally inverted universe, set in an eerily stylish office in hell, where God is called the “Enemy”, and the devil is referred to as “Our Father Below”.

Dec 1 – 3: The Warehouse Theatre presents, ODD Margo and Phoebe are roommates and best friends who are as similar as they are different (some would say that they’re an…odd couple.) Phoebe is a flaky free spirit who feels her emotions deeply and frequently, while Margo is a workaholic who would rather get a root canal than talk about her problems. When Margo’s professional and personal lives begin to teeter, Phoebe sees this as the perfect opportunity to prove she can take care of her best friend…by throwing a girl’s night the same night as Margot’s important work dinner! Dealing with exes, pillow forts, board games, nosebleeds, and cheap wine, the two are forced to navigate not only the most uncomfortable dinner party of their lives, but also their friendship. F – Sat 8:00pm, Sun 3:00pm

December 4 – 10

Dec 1 – 4 – The Gunter Theater hosts The Screwtape Letters
A battle for your soul is being waged from an office in hell! The provocative, and wickedly funny theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ book is about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. The Screwtape Letters creates a topsy-turvy, morally inverted universe, set in an eerily stylish office in hell, where God is called the “Enemy”, and the devil is referred to as “Our Father Below”.

Dec 4: The Peace Center presents Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony at Peace Concert Hall Phantom of the Opera’s original Christine, Sarah Brightman, will delight Greenville audiences with her annual Christmas Symphony tour.

Dec 4 – 10: SpringHill Suites / Residence Inn Downtown Oak & Honey The 2023 Second Annual Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit Drop by to view festive holiday gingerbread creations from celebrated local chefs and restaurants in a winter wonderland-themed lobby, and enjoy seasonal treats from Oak & Honey. Cast your ballot for your favorite gingerbread creation.

Dec 6: M. Judson Booksellers Celebrate the holiday season with a special Books Over Drinks event! Grab a cocktail and a seat as our booksellers recommend their top picks of the year. Use this cocktail hour as a fun and festive night out with your book club or as a chance to find that perfect book for each loved one on your shopping list. Regardless, this Books Over Drinks will be a special way to close out the event series for the year and you don’t want to miss it. Your ticket includes admission, a cocktail, and a copy ot the book of your choice. 7:30 – 9:00 pm.

Dec 7 – 10 – The Greenville Theatre presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The retelling of this classic story follows Charlie Bucket on his golden ticket journey into the magical world of Willy Wonka. T-7:30 pm, F-8pm, Sat 2 pm and 8 pm, Sun – 3 pm

Dec 7-8, and 10 – Centre Stage presents All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht”. Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace. A remarkable true story told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. T – F-8:00 pm, Sun-3 pm

Dec 7-8, 10: The Warehouse Theatre presents, ODD Margo and Phoebe are roommates and best friends who are as similar as they are different (some would say that they’re an…odd couple.) Phoebe is a flaky free spirit who feels her emotions deeply and frequently, while Margo is a workaholic who would rather get a root canal than talk about her problems. When Margo’s professional and personal lives begin to teeter, Phoebe sees this as the perfect opportunity to prove she can take care of her best friend…by throwing a girl’s night the same night as Margot’s important work dinner! Dealing with exes, pillow forts, board games, nosebleeds, and cheap wine, the two are forced to navigate not only the most uncomfortable dinner party of their lives, but also their friendship. T-F 8:00pm, Sun – 3:00pm

Dec 8 – 10: The Peace Center The Nutcracker Join International Ballet as the beloved holiday classic returns to the Peace Center stage. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and be dazzled as the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale are featured as snow falls on the Concert Hall stage.

Dec 9: TD Saturday Market – Holiday Edition Shop for unique artisan gifts, seasonal locally-grown fresh produce, gourmet foods and fresh cut flowers for your loved ones. 8:00AM – Noon

Dec 9 Bon Secours Wellness Arena Welcomes Lauren Daigle Two-time Grammy award winning singer songwriter Lauren Daigle to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena with The Kaleidoscope Tour, featuring her groundbreaking smash “You Say”, “Rescue”, “Look Up Child”, her new single, “Thank God I Do”, as well as music from her forthcoming self-titled album to be released this year.

December 8 – 10 Kringle Village at Fluor Field Kick off your holiday shopping at the 3rd annual Kringle Holiday Village. Enjoy shopping with more than 30 local artisan vendors, delicious food and drinks, and fun entertainment for all. The closing on Sunday will feature a spectacular firework show set to your favorite holiday tunes. All proceeds go directly to benefit Greenville’s Rotary Charities, supporting different community initiatives from education to Law Enforcement to Veterans and more.

December 11 – 17

Dec 11: Peace Concert Hall Steve Miller Band – Steve Miller has been an enlivening presence on the American music scene for more than half a century – and, in the course of that era, his releases have sold tens of millions of records and been streamed several billion times. Join this Rock & Roll Hall of Famer with his psychedelic blues sound as they play our favorite songs that are impossible not to sing along with
Dec 11 – Pentatonix: The Most Wonderful Tour of The Year Bon Secours Wellness Arena Come celebrate the holidays with the world’s biggest a cappella act.

Dec 11 – Pentatonix: The Most Wonderful Tour of The Year  Bon Secours Wellness Arena  Come celebrate the holidays with the world’s biggest a cappella act.

Dec 11 – 17: SpringHill Suites / Residence Inn Downtown Oak & Honey The 2023 Second Annual Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit Drop by to view festive holiday gingerbread creations from celebrated local chefs and restaurants in a winter wonderland-themed lobby, and enjoy seasonal treats from Oak & Honey. Cast your ballot for your favorite gingerbread creation

Dec 14 – 17 – The Greenville Theatre presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The retelling of this classic story follows Charlie Bucket on his golden ticket journey into the magical world of Willy Wonka. T-7:30 pm, F-8pm, Sat 2 pm and 8 pm, Sun – 3 pm

Dec 14 – 15, and 17 – Centre Stage presents All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht”. Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace. A remarkable true story told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. T – F-8:00 pm, Sun-3 pm

Dec 14 – 17: The Warehouse Theatre presents, ODD Margo and Phoebe are roommates and best friends who are as similar as they are different (some would say that they’re an…odd couple.) Phoebe is a flaky free spirit who feels her emotions deeply and frequently, while Margo is a workaholic who would rather get a root canal than talk about her problems. When Margo’s professional and personal lives begin to teeter, Phoebe sees this as the perfect opportunity to prove she can take care of her best friend…by throwing a girl’s night the same night as Margot’s important work dinner! Dealing with exes, pillow forts, board games, nosebleeds, and cheap wine, the two are forced to navigate not only the most uncomfortable dinner party of their lives, but also their friendship. T – Sat 8:00pm Sun – 3:00pm

Dec 14: M. Judson Booksellers Page Pairings Join the staff at M. Judson Booksellers for a special holiday edition of their monthly book-inspired wine tasting. They pair the qualities of each wine with a book that shares the same spirit. For this holiday edition, all books are hardback and signed by the author. Your ticket to the tasting, apart from the tastes, includes your choice of one of the featured books. Bottles of the featured wines will be for sale at great prices, too. This is an incredible opportunity to knock out some holiday shopping, and have a blast while doing it! 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Dec 15 – Sun Dec 17 – The Peace Center – Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday at Peace You’ll be brimming with holiday cheer when you leave this annual seasonal celebration! Gather your family and friends for Greenville’s favorite Christmas spectacular, which always features your favorites combined with fresh, new themes. Whether you’re carrying on a yuletide tradition or feeling inspired to start a new one, this concert is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the holidays.

Dec 16: For the 23rd year, Andrew Peterson will present the Advent song cycle Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ. There will be featured artists in Peterson’s folk-roots-infused rendition of the Christmas story. Hosted at the Greenville Convention Center, this all-star cast will bring the Bible’s Old & New Testaments together for a unique Christmas presentation.

December 18 – 24

Dec 18 – 24: SpringHill Suites / Residence Inn Downtown Oak & Honey The 2023 Second Annual Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit Drop by to view festive holiday gingerbread creations from celebrated local chefs and restaurants in a winter wonderland-themed lobby, and enjoy seasonal treats from Oak & Honey. Cast your ballot for your favorite gingerbread creation

Dec 18 – The Peace Center Celtic Woman: Christmas Symphony Tour will be at the Peace Center at 7:30pm. Along with a full orchestra, these all-female multi-platinum Irish singers will enchant you with holiday music through the years.

Dec 19 – The Peace Center Multi-platinum Grammy winner, LeAnn Rimes will be at the Peace Center. She will be singing a mix of holiday songs as well as her greatest hits and even music from “God’s Work”, her most recent record.

December 25 – 31

Dec 25 – 26: SpringHill Suites / Residence Inn Downtown Oak & Honey The 2023 Second Annual Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit Drop by to view festive holiday gingerbread creations from celebrated local chefs and restaurants in a winter wonderland-themed lobby, and enjoy seasonal treats from Oak & Honey. Cast your ballot for your favorite gingerbread creation. The winner will be announced on Dec. 26.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy Greenville’s Holiday festivities, to finish up some shopping, or to relax in one of our beautiful beds, we would love to have you visit us this December.  Call us at 864-242-4529 book with the link below.

Merry Christmas!!!