Farmer's Casserole

This is a new favorite in our house.  I made it the first time for guests for New Year's Day Brunch and have since made it again for my family.  This is a great dish for a weekend lunch, brunch or dinner for the family.

Ingredients:

3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (24 ounce bag)
3/4 cup of shredded  Monterey Jack Cheese (3-4 ounces)
3/4 cup of shredded Cheddar Cheese (3-4 ounces)
1 cup ham or Canadian-style bacon (5 ounces)
1 can of mild green chilis (4.5 ounce can - optional)
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (2-3 medium)
4 beaten eggs
1 - 12 ounce can of evaporated milk (the full fat kind works best)
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
1/8 teaspoon of salt

Note:  You can use whatever kind of cheese you like.  It is yummy with a shredded cheese mix.
I make mine without the chilis and onions as my children don't like them, but I bet it is fabulous with them included!

Directions:

Grease a 2 quart square baking dish. 
Arrange potatoes evenly in bottom of dish.
Sprinkle with cheeses, ham, green chiles, and green onions. 
In medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, pepper and salt.
Pour egg mixture of potato mixture in dish.

NOTE:  Chill for several hours or overnight in the fridge before baking or immediately cover and place in freezer for future meal.

Serving Instructions:

Thaw completely (if frozen). 
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until center appears set.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 
If you prefer; extra shredded cheese can be sprinkled on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Crustless Quiche

This is ideal to have for brunch or lunch...don't tell, but I have served it to my crew for dinner. Utilizing bisquick cuts down on the fat and calories that you would otherwise have when using a pie crust. I also lower the calories by using egg beaters and skim milk.

3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup bisquick/baking mix
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled or ham etc.
1 cup shredded cheese of your choice

Combine the first four ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat on low speed for 3 minutes or until well blended. Transfer to a greased 9 inch pie plate or 8 x 8 casserole dish. Sprinkle on your bacon*and cheese pressing it down in batter. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.

*Be creative and add spinach, mushrooms and peppers. You could also use sausage to make it a breakfast casserole and we enjoy using ham.