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After the First Communion ceremony, it’s traditional to host a celebratory meal with family and friends.  You can always have lunch at a nearby restaurant, but with a little pre-planning, you can host an easy, make-ahead brunch in your home. 

A Breakfast Strata is an elegant, make-ahead dish that will feed a group.  There are as many recipes for breakfast stratas as there are First Communions, but here is a simple one to start with.  For other ideas, visit www.Epicurious.com or www.myrecipes.com

Egg & Sausage Strata
11 slices white bread
1 lb. bulk sausage (or slivered ham)
9 eggs
3 cups milk
1 T. dry mustard
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dash of salt and pepper

Cut crusts off bread and tear into small pieces.  Brown sausage and drain.  Set aside.  In a large bowl or blender, beat eggs, then mix in milk.  Add salt and pepper and dry mustard and mix well.

Grease a 13”x9” pan and sprinkle the bread into the  pan.  Sprinkle sausage on top of bread, and then sprinkle cheese on top.  Slowly pour egg mixture over sausage, bread and cheese.  Cover pan with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for eight hours or overnight.  In the morning, bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for 45 – 55 minutes or until set and lightly browned.

If you won’t have time to bake the strata between the ceremony and the brunch, you can bake it ahead of time and then reheat it in a warm oven or microwave before serving.  Serves 8 – 12.

If you have some non-meat-eaters in your group, substitute drained frozen spinach, fresh mushrooms, onions, green pepper or chicken for the sausage.

For dessert, purchase a cake decorated for the guest of honor, or serve platters of your favorite cookies or cupcakes.  Serve coffee or iced tea and a selection of juices. You can also add this festive (and easy!) punch:

Sparkling Punch
Combine a 2 liter bottle of ginger ale with 2 cups of cranberry juice cocktail

Add a few baked goods and a fruit salad and you have a complete and festive meal for your guests! 

Here are some other recipes to try:

Special Day Fruit Salad
Banana Nut Bread
Mini Blueberry Muffins