Is a family reunion something that's on your "summer happenings" list? If so, have I got an idea for you. Actually though, this idea is good for any old time, but I have reunions on the brain right now. So many friends and neighbors have either been to one, organized one, or are getting ready to go to one or are in the throes of organizing one.

Anyway, this is my point: Reunions that are more than a day long, usually include at least one breakfast. So if you're in charge, and breakfast is part of the agenda, then you want an easy-to-fix crowd pleaser, right? This recipe could be your answer--see what you think (from www.marthastewart.com).

Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

unsalted butter room temperature, for baking dish
6 large eggs
3 cups whole milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
10 1/2-inch-thick slices Brioche (from one 10-ounce loaf)
1 cup blueberries
confectioners' sugar for serving

Directions:

1. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Dip brioche in egg mixture, then arrange in dish, overlapping slightly.

4. Pour remaining egg mixture over brioche, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand 30 minutes or refrigerate up to overnight.

5. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

6. Sprinkle blueberries in between and on top of the bread slices.

7. Bake until puffed and custard is just set, 55 to 65 minutes (tent with foil if browning too quickly). Let cool 15 minutes.

8. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.

I'll close with a few ideas from seasoned family reunion attenders and hosters. Hands down, the one tip I heard over and over was building meals around make-ahead recipes. All my friends agreed: ANYthing that can be prepared in advance reduces stress on the day (or days) of the reunion.

Some tantalizing make-ahead ideas that show up over and over at reunions are:

•         Breakfast oatmeal bake

•         Family-style chicken pot pie

•         Oven-ready lasagna

•         Freezer chili

•         Pasta salad for a crowd

•         Potato salad

•         Barbecued chicken

•         Ultimate macaroni and cheese

•         Pulled pork sandwiches

•         Tater tot casserole

•         Slow cooker beef stew

•         Meatballs (for cooked pasta, in a salad, or on sandwiches)

•         Calzones

•         Burrito casserole

•         Enchiladas

•         Sloppy Joes

•         Fried chicken

•         Oven-baked baby back ribs

•         Grill-ready pizzas

•         Tomato pies

•         Baked beans

•         Fruit cobblers and crisps

I'll close with another list, but this one addresses some important reasons for holding and attending reunions. Spoiler alert: It's all about relationships!

•         Reconnecting and strengthening bonds with people from different stages of life, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening existing relationships.

•         Rekindling memories by revisiting shared experiences, both good and challenging, and reflect on personal growth and development.

•         Creating new memories whether through planned activities, shared meals, or simply catching up with old friends.

•         Social and emotional well-being by helping people maintain and build those connections.

•         Family history and heritage where you learn about your family history, heritage, and values, often through storytelling and shared experiences.

•         Healing and reconciliation (a biggie) where healing old wounds and resolving past conflicts is supported.