Most families have a traditional breakfast routine for Christmas morning. Some have a big meal of pancakes, or a casserole that can be prepared the night before. We learned when my sister and I were little that big breakfasts weren't the way to go - Whitneigh was so impatient and eager to open her gifts that my parents started letting us open our stockings before food was ready just to get her to calm down. Having to wait until 9:00 when everyone was awake and ready was almost more than she could handle.
At some point, I can't remember when exactly, Mom started making Monkey Bread for Christmas morning. It's easy to make, easy to eat, and most importantly, can be eaten in the living room while watching eager children open presents. Monkey Bread is a sticky pull-apart bread coated with cinnamon, sugar and gooeyness. It's wonderful. There are lots of recipes for it - you can even buy it frozen and pop it at the oven if that's your wish. My mom's recipe is super easy. We used canned biscuits to make ours, but if you prefer to make your own bread, my friend Trevor has a wonderful recipe at his blog The Handicapped Kitchen.
Monkey Bread
4 small cans biscuits
1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 sticks butter
Combine sugar and cinnamon in plastic bag. Quarter biscuits and shake in bag of cinnamon sugar until coated. Layer evenly in a bunt pan. Bring butter and brown sugar to boil and pour over biscuits. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes and turn onto a plate immediately.
