Every Christmas morning, our family was awakened by the aroma of sour cream coffee cake and ham, egg, and cheese casserole. The coffee cake can be prepared ahead of time and baked Christmas morning. The casserole can be put in the slow cooker the night before and ready when you wake up on Christmas morning. Finally, the cookie cutter pancakes are a simple yet fun twist on an old favorite.

Christmas Recipe Number One: Sour Cream Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Cup butter

¼ Cup sugar

1 8 ounce container of sour cream

2 eggs

1 TBS vanilla

2 cups plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

Steps:

- Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

- Mix all ingredients together.

- Pour in 9 x 11 pan (or similar size)

- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top

- Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

If you are talking to someone as a gift, put saran wrap over pan after you sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon. Write the baking instructions on the card, along with your message.

Christmas Recipe Number Two: Slow Cooker Ham, Egg, and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

12 Eggs

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar Cheese (any flavor will do)

1 pound of ham, diced

1 package of frozen hash browns

¾ cup onions, fresh or frozen

1 cup of milk

Salt and Pepper to taste

Steps:

- Grease bottom of slow cooker with non stick cookie spray.

- Beat the eggs together in a bowl; add milk. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the following ingredients to the slow cooker:

- 1 layer of hash browns

- 1 layer of cheese

- Half of the diced ham

- Another layer of cheese

- ¾ cup of onions

- Add the remaining ham, and pour egg mixture over all of the ingredients.

- Cook on low 8-10 hours.

Christmas Recipe Number Three: Cookie Cutter Pancakes

Sometimes nothing’s better than good old pancakes. After all, they are quick, easy, and delicious!

Make pancakes according to package directions. I prefer to use Bisquick, because in addition to the original mix, they also make a reduced fat mix. In my opinion, it tastes just as wonderful as the original.

Try to make the pancakes as large as possible (you may need two spatulas).

Place pancakes on a large platter after they are finished cooking. Let your kids use your cookie cutters to make pancake reindeers, snowmen, and the like.

Decorate with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, and some whip cream.

Enjoy!