The Naptime Chef

I had to squeeze in this one last post before signing off for Christmas. I’ll be back next week with a little check-in and some awesome news (not baby related!). I hope you all will be away from your computers (or, maybe, enjoying your new iPad’s?) and spending time with your families. That is what I plan to be doing anyway! While you are, hopefully, relaxing by the fire here is a great little treat for you – Homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream. Sip it on the rocks, stir it into your coffee, or just drink straight up. Have a happy and safe holiday season everyone!

While I wrap up my holiday preparations in anticipation of next week I thought I would stop in with a quick recap of all of the best holiday food and party ideas I’ve been posting here for the past few years. These are some of our family favorites for the holiday season. The recipes I turn to again and again. Given my current state I had to be especially prepared this year (!) since lately I’ve been in no mood to stand on my feet for any great length of time. I am sure I’ll make up for it next year! In the mean time, I hope you and your families are looking forward to a fabulous and fun week ahead.

To follow-up on yesterday’s overnight panettone french toast today I am talking about a favorite make-ahead egg-based breakfast – asparagus and mushroom strata. There is something about serving a strata that seems so old school. I remember my Mom making stratas when she entertained at brunch, and I even remember my grandmother making them for dinner when I stayed at her house. It is a true classic that always fits the bill. This is definitely one of those recipes that you need in your back pocket year-round, and is perfect for the holiday season!

I know I’ve been concentrating a lot on entertaining and homemade gift recipes this month. When I asked about it on Facebook in November you all said they were things you needed this season. You also said you needed some easy make-ahead breakfast recipes for the holidays which is what I am going to talk about today and tomorrow. Today we are starting off with a simple overnight french toast made with that loaf of panettone someone may have just given you the other day. I happen to adore panettone and this is one of the first things I make with a loaf whenever I get my hands on one.  If you’ve only just received one, or are looking for a new way to prepare your favorite sweet loaf, this french toast is a great place to start.

1. 24 Amazing Breakfasts to Please Your Holiday Guest

2. 23 of Our Best Christmas Cookie Recipes

3. 10 Gingerbread Treats for the Holidays

4. 13 Delicious Peppermint Desserts

5. 7 Fluffy Desserts for the Holidays

6. Awesome Peanut Butter Blossoms

I am so excited to share the third installment of my trip to Thailand from last February. The purpose of this entire trip was to explore Thai seafood on behalf of Sea Cuisine. Having been to Thailand once before I was thrilled to have the chance to return. This post chronicles our last day in Bangkok before we traveled down the Phuket to experience Southern Thailand. We had the great fortune of eating the most amazing shrimp dumplings and fresh cut noodles I’ve ever tried. It has been almost ten months since our visit and I still think about them!

When it comes to entertaining this season a lot of you asked for some easy-peasy quick party recipes. I am, of course, very happy to oblige since you know I am all about delicious food made with minimal fuss. Today I’ve partnered with Whole Foods Market to share an excellent, and simple, seafood appetizer that is perfect for seasonal entertaining. Sure, this could be done with seafood from any market, but today I am specifically working with Whole Foods Market because of their commitment to sustainability. I simply love that Whole Foods Market features Wild-Caught Seafood Sustainability Ratings for each of their seafood products. And, better yet, they no longer carry red-rated (i.e. unsustainable) seafood in any of their stores as of Earth Day 2012. I’ll always root for a company that commits themselves so wholly to respecting the Earth and maintaining our food supply for generations to come.