Apple and Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This casserole has become a Christmas morning staple in our house and makes for a tasty Christmas breakfast. The original recipe came from a Costco cookbook a couple of years ago. Catherine makes this slightly adapted recipe on Christmas Eve day each year, which means that she will be making it again tomorrow. Today, we are baking cookies and other goodies again. After waking up on Christmas morning, I wander into the kitchen and pop the breakfast casserole into the oven. Enjoy!

Apple and Sausage Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (we use maple syrup flavored sausages) 
• 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped 
• 5 TBSP sugar, divided 
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 6 cups cubed French bread 
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese 
• 9 large eggs, beaten 
• 2/3 cups sour cream 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 3 cups milk 

Recipe:

Coat a 12-x-9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Brown sausage in a skillet, stirring to crumble.

Toss apples in a bowl with 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon.

Place half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sausage, half of the apple mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and sour cream. Whisk in 3 tablespoons sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add milk and whisk until combined. Pour over the mixture in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Bake, uncovered, for about 70 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Makes 8 to 10 servings. Although there are 10 people in our family, we always have leftovers.

Print Recipe

Fourth Sunday of Advent

"And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his o...wn city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David. To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child." 

~ Luke 2:1-5 ~

I read somewhere recently that it took four days for Joseph and Mary to travel form Nazareth to Bethlehem. There are four days until Christmas. I hope that everyone has a faith-filled fourth week of Advent.

Remembering the Reason for the Season when Giving Gifts

In my last post, I kind of joked about buying Christmas presents for nine children this year. I enjoy getting things for my children, especially religious presents, and things that they need and like. Each year, my children are given three Christmas presents. Shortly after our first child was born, my husband and I agreed that it was important to give at least one Christmas present that would help our children to grow in their love for God. After all, Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth.

Over the years, we have given our children basic and more detailed religious puzzles, books, Nativity sets and figures, ornaments, games, and more. This year, my husband and children will be getting the following religious Christmas presents:

Saints Memory Card Game
When my older children were young, we got Mary Memory. We still have it and the children like playing go fish, using the cards. When I saw Saints Memory on the Fraternity Publications website, I knew that it would make a wonderful little present for one of my younger children. The quality of the cards is great and I am impressed with the selection of saint pictures. I am looking forward to playing saint memory and go fish with my children, using these cards.

Treasure and Tradition: The Ultimate Guide to the Latin Mass
This gem of a book comes highly recommended by our friends, including our pastor. I can't wait to see it. Fr. S. told me that looking at Treasure and Tradition you would think that it was an excellent reprint of an old book; however, it is a treasure that Lisa Bergman has written for Latin Mass goers (and anyone who is interested in the rich history of the Church) today. It would make a wonderful present for both priests and lay people.

The Saving Name of God the Son by Jean Ann Sharpe
One of my little boys will be getting this board book for Christmas.

Who is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate
We have checked this book out from the library year after year around Christmas time. When Patrick asked if he could get this book for Christmas, I decided that I would get it for one of his younger brothers. It is a sweet little story that has worked its way into Patrick's heart.

The Catholic Girl's Guide edited by Fr. Lasance
Two of my daughters already have this book. Come Christmas, three of my daughters will have this book. I think that every Catholic tween or teen would benefit from owning and reading this book.

Infinity Veils

Fr. Peter Cutouts

Praying Angel Ornament

I purchased this beautiful ornament from Fraternity Publications.Unfortunately, it is no longer available on their website.

Angels in Iron by Nicholas C. Prata

My husband recommended that we buy this book for one of our boys. I think that he will enjoy reading it.

Making a List and Checking it Twice

I've been making a list and checking it twice, and with nine children it hasn't been nice. Last year, I had all of the children's presents purchased before Advent, but that didn't happen this year. I had presents for the little ones by the time Advent started. Last week, I had presents for everyone except my oldest daughter. Thanks to Thirty-One, I now have a present for her too.

Thirty-One is having a flash sale and my friend, Trish, is a consultant. I am throwing a Thirty-One party too.*

Zipper Pouch

Some of Thirty-One's City Weekenders, Timeless Beauty Bags, Zipper Pouches, and more are on sale for up to 80% off. I just purchased the three items mentioned and finished shopping for Christmas presents. 

Timeless Beauty Bag

The City Weekender (pictured below) is only $19.99. I had it personalized for an additional $7.00 and my oldest is going to find it under the Christmas tree after Midnight Mass.

City Weekender

*Please note, sale items cannot be purchased through my party link. If you visit Trish's website and click on "December Flash Sale" in the sidebar on the left, you can see all of the sale items. Other patterns and styles are on sale too.

If you would like to purchase non-December flash sale items, please do so through my party link.

The Beauty of Advent Revisited

The manger is ready and waiting to be filled with soft hay each time one of
our children offers a good deed to God during Advent.

"Before Our Lady conceived Our Lord in the flesh,
she conceived Him in the interior silence of her soul."
~ Advent Recollection: Silence ~

Last week, as Advent approached, I listened to this Advent Recollection Series again. If we are quiet, it is because, once again this year, my family and I are focusing on the beauty of Advent and being Christkindls to each other. We are trying to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May God bless you with a peaceful, faith-filled, and fruitful Advent!

Violin Recital

On the Feast of St Cecilia, Bernadette and Theresa participated in their fall violin recital. Theresa just started violin lessons in September. She was accompanied by Bernadette as she played Marching Song, Norwegian Folk Song, and Lightly Row.

Bernadette enjoyed playing Meditation from Thais by Jules Massenet. She started playing when she was around Theresa's age. Her playing has come a long way.

Thank you to everyone who has placed orders through my Lilla Rose website, mystery hostess parties, review links, and home or online parties since May. You are helping make it possible for my children to continue with/take music lessons.

Lilla Rose is currently having their BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR. In addition to the mystery hostess party that I am hosting, Angela is hosting an online party, Jessica is hosting a review and giveaway, and Kim has an open party. Purchases made through any one of these parties are greatly appreciated.

It's Snowing

The boys don't need to pretend anymore. It really is snowing, and Kieran is very excited. He keeps telling me, "Mommy, it's snowing!" and "Mommy, snow is on the van. We need to clean it." He also commented, "Mommy, the snow is on the flowers." I love my little boy and his wonder and enthusiasm.

Arctic Fun

Snow is rare in our neck of the woods. However, my boys can pretend it is plentiful with their Arctic Snowmobile, Arctic Ice Crawler, Arctic Helicrane, and Arctic Outpost.

Hopefully, the Arctic Base Camp goes on sale because Patrick would really like it. One of the reviews of the base camp on the Lego site gave me a chuckle. The reviewer wrote, among other things, "I found the 'extreme weather conditions' difficult to assemble."

It is great to be a child with a big imagination.

The Saint that is Just Me

A friend shared this video and it brought tears streaming down my face. I want nothing more than to become a great saint and bring greater glory to God. However, I know that I have a long way to go. I also know that the only way that I will get there is by the grace of God and with the assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.