Mushroom Breakfast Casserole

One of the best benefits of growing up in a large family is getting to spend the holidays together with aunts, uncles, and cousins. There is something so special and unique about cousins spending a weekend together just enjoying one another doing nothing, something, and everything. I grew up in a family like this and even now into adulthood when my cousins get together it's just like it was when we were young. Cousins are a special gift that comes with a unique relationship. The nuances of sibling dynamics are often not there, and the bond is much stronger than friends. 

Cousins are the best of both worlds. My kids are fortunate enough to have 21 cousins, 14 that live locally, to always look forward to spending time with over the holidays. Hosting them is a treat for me; I especially love spending time with my young nieces who seem to have a knack for waking up before everyone else and finding their way to the kitchen to volunteer for anything I may be cooking that morning (another great benefit). My 8-year-old niece Aimee is always a willing volunteer to help stir, break eggs, and watch over anything that may need an extra eye to monitor. With her family staying with us this weekend we made this wonderful vegetarian breakfast casserole to feed everyone. I made the coffee while she cracked the eggs. This casserole is all about the mushrooms, which sometimes take a back seat to other ingredients when it can easily be the star of any dish. Made with whatever type of cheese you have on hand this savory casserole is love at first bite. 

If you're hosting friends and family during the holidays this casserole is the perfect way to greet your guests when they wake up. And if you find yourself with little eager helpers, like Aimee, those memories of you spending time together are memories that will stay with both of you forever.