Slow Cooker
Hosting a brunch can be simple and enjoyable for everyone if you use a slow cooker to prepare some of the main dishes. By preparing the dishes in a slow cooker, all the last-minute meal preparation is avoided because the food is cooking in the slow cooker until the time the brunch will be served.
Egg Dishes
Egg recipes can be mixed and poured into a slow cooker for a delicious and simple brunch dish. There are many different ingredients that can be combined with the eggs. To make a dish that serves six, start with six beaten eggs in a medium-size bowl. Add chopped onions and basic seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic and parsley.
One recipe variation includes 3 cups of cottage cheese, 10 oz. of chopped broccoli, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1/3 cup melted butter and 1/3 cup whole wheat flour. Mix everything well, combine with the eggs, and pour it into a well-greased slow cooker. Cook on high for 1 hour and then stir. Cook on low for 2 to 3 more hours until a thermometer reads 160 degrees when inserted into the center. Sprinkle with additional cheese before serving.
Another egg recipe variation includes 1 lb. of ground beef, 1/2 lb. of sliced mushrooms, 10 oz. of chopped spinach, 3/4 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour and 1/2 tsp. nutmeg. Brown the meat in a skillet and pour it into the slow cooker when cooked. Stir in the vegetables and seasonings. Combine the eggs and milk and pour over everything in the slow cooker. Stir well and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. The eggs are done when they register 160 degrees on a thermometer inserted into the center of the eggs. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese before serving.
French Toast
Make French toast in a slow cooker. A French toast recipe will complement an egg dish for a well-rounded brunch presentation. Place a loaf of bread in a well-greased 6-quart slow cooker. Use a half loaf of bread for a smaller slow cooker and adjust the other ingredients accordingly. Whisk together 1 dozen eggs, 1 quart of milk, 1 tbsp. vanilla, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 cup honey. Pour this over the bread. Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped pecans over everything. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the bread has absorbed all of the liquid.
Tags: slow cooker, shredded cheese, before serving, cheese before, cheese before serving