For most of my adult years, I have celebrated Christmas in Florida. Lucky me, both Dick and I had parents who moved to Florida and invited us to visit over the holidays! I have had Christmas with grandparents, parents, siblings, in-laws, children, grand-children, and great grandchildren. We have sand instead of snow, palm trees instead of pines, and fishing rods instead of sleds. 
In spite of the year or venue, certain traditions prevail. We start the day with eggs, sweet rolls, and coffee. Next we open stockings…..Santa and the elves seem to be able to find us wherever we are. After various takes on a turkey dinner, depending on the generation and persons preparing the meal, the day ends with a walk on a beach.
People: Generations of family who carry forth traditions—all of whom know how to make pies!
Places: Pompano Beach or Fort Myers Beach in Florida, where pies are always served for Christmas.
Pies: This year, in addition to a key lime pie (it is Florida, after all,) I made a pie for our Christmas breakfast. This savory treat is made with eggs and cottage cheese, and can accommodate a variety of fillings. Red (tomato) and green (basil) works for a Christmas pie! Merry Christmas to one and all! 
- For the basic pie
- 7 eggs, beaten
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅓ cup flour
- salt and pepper
- 1 chopped shallot
- ⅔ cup cottage cheese.
- Various fillings
- 1. Tomato and Fresh Basil Breakfast Pie
- Add:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2. Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Breakfast Pie
- Add:
- 1 small jar chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 3. Broccoli, Cheddar and Ham Breakfast Pie
- Add:
- Drained, chopped cooked broccoli
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4. Maine Lobster Breakfast Pie
- Add:
- 1 – 1 ½ cups cooked chopped lobster meat
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- Beat eggs and add milk and flour. Beat well and add salt, pepper, shallot and
- cottage cheese.
- Add desired filling (see combinations, above) and mix well.
- Pour into greased 10 inch pie or tart pan. Cover with foil. Bake 350 degrees F.
- for one hour until eggs are firm and lightly brown. Serve immediately or keep
- warm in oven at 200 degrees F. until ready to serve. Note: This recipe can be
- prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until the next morning. It
- also can be modified for a 9 inch pan by using 6 eggs and ⅓ cup cottage
- cheese and ⅓ cup milk.
