Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Priceless

 By now the tree is trimmed, the presents are wrapped and the anticipation of opening them (and waiting for the credit card bills to arrive) is upon us. With the exception of a few last minute chores, we are ready. Bring it on.

But there are gifts that can’t be wrapped.  They are gifts that cost us nothing, but they will certainly convey the feelings that are in our hearts. It’s a good time for reflection, of taking stock of our blessings, if you will.

It’s hard to know where to begin. But a good  place would be for the great strides in medicine that have given many of us a reprieve from illnesses that once were incurable. So I’m thankful for the doctors whose expertise makes it possible for us to live a new day, look forward to the future.

Far less lofty are the unsung heroes who wait on us throughout the hectic holiday season, who manage to smile and ignore their aching feet as they ring up perhaps the hundredth purchase of the day. We thank you over and over again for your patience.

Closer to home, I’m thankful to friends whose kindness amazes me more each day.  These angels of mercy watch over me and anticipate my needs during chemo treatments, bringing me casseroles, taking over my shopping, and more specifically decorating my house on the coldest of days with Christmas greenery and wreaths, giving it a cheerful look of red and green. You can’t put a price on that.

I’m thankful that brother Don has a good prognosis and is pain free at last. And for his grandson, Blake, who is a Christmas present every day of the year. He is the gift that keeps on giving and the joy of everyone who sees him. Every day is Christmas day when Blake is around.

It goes without saying that my son Steve and his family are my rock, and without whom I literally could not exist. They make me feel as though I’ve won the lottery every day of the year.

Lastly, I’m thankful to those of you who are faithful readers of this column and who have stuck by me, lo, these many years.  You have opened up a world of friendship that I could never have anticipated and for that I am eternally grateful.  

I am truly blessed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

If you’ll be having overnight company during the holidays, you may want to consider this hearty casserole. Guests will be impressed with its bountiful filling and scrumptious flavor.

Holiday Brunch Casserole

12 servings

4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes

1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained

1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 medium green pepper, chopped

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 green onion, chopped

1 cup reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 eggs

3 cups milk

In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, sausage, bacon, green pepper, 1 cup cheese and onion. 

Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.

In another bowl, whisk the biscuit mix, salt, eggs and milk; pour over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. 

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. 

Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. 

Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.