Make ahead breakfast dishes are wonderful for Christmas morning. Try this spicy Sausage and Spinach Strata alongside a Warm Brandied Fruit Compote.

Merry Christmas! Amy

Serves 8Prep time: 30 minutes
Refrigerate:  Overnight, if desired
Bake time:40 minutes
Make ahead: Best when assembled the day before; refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed. Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
12 slices white bread, crusts removed
1/2 cup butter, melted ( 1stick)
1  pound bulk pork sausage, crumbled and cooked
1 (4 oz.) can green chiles, drained and chopped
1   cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1  cup grated Pepper Jack cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
12 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
2 teaspoon mustard
1  teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepperSpray a 9X13-inch glass baking dish with no-stick cooking spray.
Brush bread slices with melted butter. Place 6 slices in prepared dish. Top with half the sausage, chiles and cheese. Sprinkle chopped spinach over top. Top with 6 more slices of bread, then remaining sausage, chiles and cheese.
Beat together eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over the layers and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Heat oven to 350ºF. Bake about 40 minutes or until puffed and center is set. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Warm Brandied Fruit Compote

Serves 8-10

Prep time: 15 minutes

Refrigerate:  Overnight, if desired
Bake time: 35-40 minutes
Tip: The pie filling makes this plenty sweet, so try to choose unsweetened canned fruits if possible.

 Butter for baking dish1 15.25-ounce can dark cherries, well drained1 15.25-ounce can sliced peaches, well drained1 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, well drained1 17-ounce can apricot halves, well drained1 15.25-ounce can pear halves, well drained1 22-ounce jar cherry pie filling 1 teaspoon almond extract¼ teaspoon cinnamon½ cup brandy8 macaroon cookies or amaretti cookies, crumbled   Butter a 2½-quart casserole; layer in the fruit.  In a medium bowl combine the pie filling, almond extract, cinnamon and brandy; pour over fruit. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle crumbled cookies over fruit mixture. Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.