Family Traditions

Family Traditions BY ETHEL WILKEY-DOWNS

I love my family traditions.

And many, including a favorite of mine, have to do with cooking. I just love to be in my kitchen – it’s my happy place. I would like to believe it has something to do with my Italian heritage. Some of my fondest childhood memories are at my nonna’s house for the holidays. I can still smell the homemade pasta sauce simmering on the stove, and my brothers and I pleading for a taste by dipping crusty Italian bread into the pot (and hopefully sneaking a meatball too!). Fast forward to me as a mom, where I created cherished traditions for my family. Every Christmas season, my boys and I would go to their grandma’s house to make Christmas cookies. The kids’ favorite was the sugar cookies, because they could frost them. For middle school, we hosted game nights with their friends and planned fun menus. My boys were always involved in the cooking. In high school, our blended family began a new tradition. We dedicated one night a week as “Family Dinner,” no excuses, you had to be there. Each week, one child would plan the menu and we would prepare it together. I cherish those special times.

Now that my children are adults, we have created a new set of traditions. The day after Christmas is our family day. We start with brunch, then head out to a surprise event I have planned, such as an escape room, bowling, or nature hike.

One of our favorite go-tos for family brunch is individual egg muffins. The making of them has evolved into quite the event! It lends an opportunity to be creative, participate, and satisfy everyone’s palates!

Individual Egg Muffins

18 Eggs ½ cup milk 1 pound breakfast sausage 1 package, bacon 1 bag shredded hash browns 1 each of red, green, yellow pepper 1 medium onion 1 package, mushrooms 1 bag, spinach 1 jar, artichoke hearts

Salt, pepper to taste

Variety of Cheeses

Muffin Pans OUR FAVS: sharp, colby, feta, Havarti, mozzarella In a bowl, beat the eggs, adding milk, salt & pepper to taste. In a pan, saute the sausage into crumbles, keep separate. Cook the bacon (I do it in the oven for less of a mess). Chop into pieces once cooked and keep separate. In another pan, saute veggies (all separately) with salt and pepper to taste. Fry/heat the hash browns. Spray muffin pans with non-stick spray and fill 3⁄4 with the egg batter. Everyone can then top their own muffin using their favorite toppings. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes, depending on muffin size. Cook until crispy on top (or a toothpick inserted comes clean).

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Ethel Wilkey-Downs, REALTOR® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Michigan Real Estate

269.267.0515 ethelwilkey@bhhsmi.com fb.com/ethelwilkeyrealtor ethelwilkey.bhhsmichiganrealestate.com