Good and Hearty Easter Brunch

  

My sister, the youngest of the oldest (Number 5 of 10) is hosting Easter brunch. Maybe this little guy will make an appearance. She and her husband built a one level rambler with a huge lower level basement that they can set up lots of tables and have room for the masses. Both she and her husband suffer from back and neck issues, so having all their living, with the exception of holiday expansion, on one level is so much better for them than their former multi level house; peace of mind for all of us. Our family has always been a "roll up your shirt sleeves, all hands on deck" kind of party throwers, and we are traditionalists with our food. We'll have the same basic menu, maybe throw in a newbie recipe or two along the way, but for the most part, stick with favorites. I'm on fruit detail this year. As I've said before, getting an actual count is always hard, so I'm planning for 60.

The Annual T Family Easter Brunch Menu

Egg bake-with Sausage (at least three- cake pan size)
Egg Bake-Vegetables (only 1-this is a meat crew)
Scrambled Eggs (Dozens)
Sliced ham
Cheesy Hash brown potatoes (A bit of a competition, in fun, with two different recipes)
Deviled Eggs (My sister B's specialty)
Cinnamon Rolls (My sister C's specialty)
Hot Cross buns (From our town bakery) 
Assorted Quick breads
Fruit and fruit dip (My contribution this year)
Assorted Juices
milk
Coffee

My side of the family likes having brunch, as opposed to a dinner, served buffet style. It works better for large extended families when people stay for three hours or thirty minutes, and if they have to eat another meal some where else in the day. My sister M organizers an egg hunt for the kids. It's very relaxed, and for the most part, the festivities are done by mid afternoon, giving individual families time to spend with their own families, visit the in-law side, or sometimes on the rainy days, go see an afternoon movie. Our plans usually includes a walk, rain or shine. 

I'm thankful I have siblings with room and desire to host anyone and everyone that wants to come. Despite the large numbers, I am always less anxiety filled in my family than with DH's. (Some might remember my awful Beating of Drums post from the Easter two years ago that put me in melt down mode for days.) In my family, I think it is the mix of tradition with things like food and egg hunts, but without any expectations. However, as I wrote about last year in my post, because the family has just gotten so large, it might be  Time to Switch Up Holiday traditions.

If you have Easter plans, please feel free to share n the comments.  Do you have any special or traditional foods your family enjoys that might be unlike other menus?