Easy make-ahead recipes for Christmas morning

Happy Friday!

There's a funny thing about the holidays — it's the time of year we're most inclined to make show-stopping, glamorous recipes, but it's also the time of year we have absolutely NO time to pull it off. Today I've got some absolutely delicious, time-saving recipes that'll cut down your time in the kitchen so you can spend more time with loved ones.

Speaking of that, the editors of HuffPost Life are taking some time off of our own next week, meaning The Good Life will take a short break. Our newsletter will pick back up in the new year, and in the meantime we hope you have the happiest holiday season!

Love,
Kristen and the HuffPost Life crew

Left to right: Overnight Pull-Apart Brioche Cinnamon Roll; Monte Cristo Waffle Strata; Toasted Pistachio And Pineapple Muesli

Make-ahead breakfasts for Christmas Day

Many of us have been there: You wake up on Christmas morning and rush to the tree in a flurry of excitement, but after about an hour you're FAMISHED and dizzy. You forgot to eat. But who has time to make breakfast on Christmas morning?

That's why you should make it the night before! We've got a collection of recipes you can prepare the night ahead, and then just pop in the oven (or eat straightaway) the next morning. French toast, eggs, waffles — you name it, we've got a recipe for you. Eat up!

GET THE RECIPES

Chef hack

A few weeks ago I taught you how to make the perfect poached egg. But who has time for that on a busy morning? Here's a restaurant secret: you can make a big batch and store them overnight.
Poach your eggs up to a day ahead of when you want to serve them, cooking them just a little less than you typically would. Immediately transfer the poached eggs to a rectangular baking dish and gently cover them with cool water. Cover and store in the refrigerator overnight.
When you're ready to make breakfast, lift the poached eggs from the water bath with a slotted spoon and place them in gently simmering water for a minute or two until they're warmed through. (Be careful not to overcook them! Don't forget, they're already cooked.) Voila!