I got some fabulous veggies and fruit at the farmer's market this morning, although the wind was so strong it nearly blew me away!! Yellow crookneck squash, zucchini, new potatoes, onions, sweet corn and peaches. I can't wait to get home and make a squash casserole and maybe even peach cobbler. Yum!

Tomorrow night is Brazos Nights in Downtown Waco. It is basically a free outdoor concert with multiple performers and arts and crafts for the kids. We've invited a bunch of friends and are going to eat on the patio of the Lake Brazos steak house in advance and then go on the concert. I always enjoy these types of family events (especially when they are free!) and am really looking forward to it.

Unfortunately I am having to miss my sister-in-law's wedding shower in Pampa this weekend. it is just too far away to make the trip! Boo gas prices! I am going to send her a recipe for her married life. I chose my recipe for Brunch Egg Casserole which was given to me by my friend Elizabeth. It is such a treasure because it is appropriate for many occasions, can be made in advance, and is really yummy. I serve it on Christmas morning.

Elizabeth's Brunch Egg Casserole
6 slices bread, crusts removed
1 lb. ground sausage
4 c. cheddar cheese, grated
6 eggs
1 t. salt
1 t. dry mustard
2 c. 1/2 and 1/2

Lightly butter each slice of bread. Place bread in a buttered 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish. Brown sausage. Drain sausage and pat with paper towels. Sprinkle sausage over bread. Sprinkle cheese over sausage. Beat eggs. Add salt, dry mustard, and 1/2 and 1/2. Beat again. Pour mixture over bread, sausage and cheese. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. At this point it may be frozen until ready to use. Remove from freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Remove foil. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and lightly browned. This casserole is best when it stands 30 minutes after baking.

VARIATION: Brown sausage with 2 finely chopped onions. Drain off excess grease as above. Sprinkle over bread. Sprinkle 4 oz. drained chopped green chiles and one fresh chopped jalapeño over sausage. Substitute Monterey Jack for the Cheddar. A 1 t. seasoned salt (instead of regular salt) and 1 rounded t. cumin to the 6 beaten eggs. Add 1 t. dry mustard and the 1/2 and 1/2. Mix well. Pour over all. Bake as above.

I hope you enjoy this and that it affords you some comfort on the day which you are serving through its advance preparation!