Holiday Brunch Recipes and Weekly Link Party

They'll be turkey or ham, eggs, and a sweet loaf bread. Oh, and there will most definitely be pancakes! Those are my little Caleb's favorite food. Yes, we're having a holiday brunch for Thanksgiving this year. I think that's why I had brunch recipes on my mind when trying to pick the features this week. It only made sense to share some of my favorite brunch recipes that you all had linked up as I planned and prepared for our own meal.

Why are we trading the turkey with all its trimmings for a Thanksgiving brunch this year? I know that most families traditionally plan their holiday brunches around Christmas, but we're in a bit of a different situation than most. You see...last Thanksgiving was the first one without my younger sister. If you've followed along for awhile, you probably know that she passed away in May of last year. The November that followed was our year to travel and visit with my husband's family. This year is the first one back here at home without her, so we've decided to do things a little differently.

When my mom brought up Thanksgiving a week ago and asked what I wanted to do, sadness gripped my heart. We're still in that fragile stage of grief. Defensively I wanted to just ignore the holiday, but that's certainly not the right approach. I know that! It was just that in that instant, I couldn't bear the thought of following all of our same traditions without her. Something about it just made the void seem that much greater. The holidays are hard when you're grieving. Anyone else navigating this?

I've realized that instead of letting my heart dwell on the ones who won't be sitting at the table this year--my dad and sister--I need to focus on the ones who will be there--my husband, kids, brother-in-law, and mom. New traditions are still in order. And that's where the idea for a Thanksgiving brunch comes in. Brunch was Allison's favorite type of meal, so it feels like the perfect way to celebrate the day while still honoring her. I'm sure there will be some other new traditions that we'll begin this Thursday, but brunch it is for the meal.

A holiday brunch is a perfect opportunity to gather family and friends together to enjoy warm, delicious comfort food and wonderful company. Most of you are probably doing the traditional turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving Day this year. But perhaps you have a brunch with family and friends planned for earlier in the day? Or maybe on a day closer to Christmas? Or even on Christmas morning! Anytime from now until New Year's Eve grants opportunities to host a holiday brunch filled with all your family's favorites. Enjoy taking a peek at the recipes these bloggers have shared. You might just find a new favorite to serve at your next brunch!

1. Cherry Christmas Loaf / Gluesticks
Here's a recipe I can't wait to try! It's a braided loaf bursting with fruit filling and drizzled with vanilla icing. Who could resist?

2. Oatmeal Casserole / Simply Stacie
This baked oatmeal is BIG on taste but not on time. With only three steps, it's a cinch to pull together. And it looks amazing!

3. Mini Apple Cheesecakes / Shibley Smiles
Two classics--apple pie and cheesecake--come together for this decadent treat!

4. Caprese Quiche / Pretty Extraordinary
This colorful quiche is simple, delicious, and filled with fresh ingredients! What more could you want in a quiche?

5. Amish Cinnamon Rolls / Little House Living
Whether you top them with the suggested caramel sauce or the cream cheese frosting, these sweet rolls are sure to become a recipe you'll make again and again!

6. Pumpkin Spiced French Toast / Marilyn's Treats
From the sugar and spices to the amaretto sauce, what's not to love about this recipe?! Oh, and don't forget to also check out Marilyn's pumpkin pancakes topped with a cinnamon mousse.

7. Pumpkin Bread Pudding / Simply Stacie
Don't you just love unique twists on timeless recipes? I sure do! This fun variation of bread pudding is sure to become a family favorite.

8. Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Bread / Little House Living
Yum! This recipe has two of my favorites--cream cheese and chocolate chips! And who doesn't love chocolate chips, right?! It's a simple recipe that's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

9. Cheesy Crustless Quiche / The Life of Jennifer Dawn
Looking for a crustless version of quiche? From our family to yours, here's a recipe we've been enjoying for decades!

10. Zucchini, Walnut, and Cranberry Salad / 5 Minutes for Mom
I love how colorful this side dish is, and it only requires a few simple ingredients!

Now it's time for...

Meet your hostesses!
(Be sure to give them a follow!)

Tanya  |  The Natural Homeschool  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest

Jennifer  |  The Life of Jennifer Dawn  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest

Are you ready to share your own posts and projects? We can't wait to see what you've been crafting, creating, decorating, mixing, and posting!

If you were featured this week, feel free to grab a button...

Party time! A Little Bird Told Me that you've been doing some amazing things! I'd love for you to share! Link up a recipe, craft, home decor project, home school post, activity/craft for kids, or any other post you're proud of! Your post will be shown on each host's blog where we will individually pick features each week. We're teaming up to bring you an even bigger and better party!

Follow each host, grab a button, link up, visit others, and be sure to leave some comment love on each other's posts!  That same little birdie told me that we all love comments! If you don't have anything to link up, that's okay! Sit back, get comfy, and glean inspiration from the amazing posts shared below...

Remember that you must link back in order to be featured.  If your link does get featured, I have a special Pinterest board to further showcase your tremendous talent! Just a few more things... This party is not for giveaways or other link parties. Be sure to link to the specific post and not your blog's homepage. By linking up, you are giving us permission to feature your post. All features will be given credit and a link to its source.

Here we go! I can't wait to see what you're sharing this week!

An InLinkz Link-up