(Family Features) When hosting guests for the holidays, it's often easy to focus on the feast. But breakfast and brunch play a major role in the spirit of the season. After all, there's nothing lovelier than waking to a full house, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and homemade breakfast, all while knowing you don't have to rush off to work, carpool and errands.

This year, focus on simple-to-prepare breakfast dishes that will allow you to spend more time with your guests. For example, this recipe for Baked Eggs incorporates flavorful ingredients that will leave your home smelling of fresh, homemade fare. And because the recipe incorporates the creamy flavors of Sabra hummus, it's not only flavorful, but better for you as well. Plus, because this recipe is simple to prep before popping it in the oven, you have more time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee before guests awaken.

Side Dishes Serve your main dish with savory and sweet sides, as well. Here are some options to help complete your breakfast menu:

  • Homemade rolls or fresh-baked bread - Some dough recipes can be prepared in advance and will rise overnight. Simply stick them into the oven shortly before your baked eggs, then serve with fruit preserves.
  • Breakfast potatoes - Quickly sauté with garlic, onions and olive oil while your eggs are baking in the oven.
  • Fresh fruit salad - Be sure to slice fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and grapes directly over the bowl so you don't lose any of the juices. You can prepare fruit salad a day in advance and refrigerate until you're ready to serve your guests.
  • Toasted baguettes - Slice up a baguette, lightly toast or grill, then serve with warmed Greek yogurt and honey for a sweet treat, or goat cheese and chives for a savory side dish.

By prepping your side dishes and setting your table the day before, you'll have less to worry about in the morning. Be sure to serve your guests fresh coffee and set out optional fixings, such as milk, creamer, sugar and cinnamon, so they can serve themselves while you finish up in the kitchen. For more flavorful, better-for-you holiday recipes, visit www.Facebook.com/Sabra.

Baked Eggs
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 - 18 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

3/4   cup Sabra Classic Hummus
4     extra-large eggs
1     teaspoon olive oil
2     medium tomatoes, diced
4     olives, diced
1     teaspoon parsley, finely chopped for garnish
      Sea salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven at 400 degrees F.

Oil four ramekins with olive oil. Spread hummus into ramekins, making an indentation in the middle of each. Arrange ramekins on a shallow baking dish.

Crack an egg into the center, being careful not to break the yolk. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes and olives. Continue with the remaining ramekins.

Place in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, according to desired consistency of the yolk. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

This can also be cooked in an ovenproof skillet all at once for larger gatherings.

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Matthew Barksdale mbarksdale@familyfeatures.com 1-888-824-3337 http://editors.familyfeatures.com