Hubster and I tried to go out for breakfast at 10am. All three places we tried to stop, were not open for Sunday breakfast (one thing I miss about living somewhere less rural). So after dreaming of yummy breakfast I came home and made myself Eggs Lorraine… then I decided to blog about brunch.
I love making brunch, Hubster used to be confused when I’d serve him “eggs and salad” (as he says) at the same time. The first time I had made him brunch, he was hesitant, but then loved it!! Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, however I don’t have time to make gourmet things in the morning before work. I sometimes daydream of running a B&B. I complied several of my favorite brunch recipes together to share the list/recipes with my readers.
Brunch Salad – Mixed greens topped with walnuts, pear slices, mandarin oranges and a raspberry vinaigrette. I change it up seasonally. Spring: asparagus spears, violets. Summer: cherry tomatoes, fresh cherries, blue berries, raspberries. Autumn: pomegranate seeds, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes. Winter: roasted butternut squash seeds, dried cranberries, tangerines.
Fruit Cup – Mix together fresh raspberries, sliced star fruit, cubed cantaloupe, cubed pineapple, slice strawberries, crumbled blue cheese. Mix together chopped fresh basil, 2 Tbs. honey, 2 Tbs. olive oil and a splash of orange juice. Toss fruit with dressing and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Brunch Eggs – Coat four small Pyrex ramekins with olive oil. Mix fresh basil with diced tomatoes and divide mixture into each ramekin. Make a small well in the tomato mixture and then crack an egg into each well. Bake the ramekins until eggs are done to your preference (350°F for about 25 minutes). Turn off the oven, top each ramekin with a slice of provolone cheese, and place back in the oven for two minutes. Right before serving, flip ramekin over a toasted english muffin. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a sprinkle of grated provolone.
Eggs Benedict – This classic is made with asparagus instead of Canadian bacon in my household (sometimes I use turkey ham). I layer a toasted english muffin with a poached egg, the asparagus and then top it off with the Hollandaise sauce (find my recipe Hollandaise sauce recipe here).
Pumpkin Waffles – Autumn Brunch Favorite! Serve warm with fresh churned cinnamon or vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream or fresh whipped butter. *Serve with fresh apple cider & brunch salad.
Eggs Lorraine – Coat a 8″x8″ baking dish with EVOO. Line with turkey ham or turkey bacon, then with Swiss cheese. Break nine eggs over the cheese (in a 3 by 3 array). In a small bowl mix 5 Tbs. sour cream (or plain yogurt), fresh cracked black pepper and fresh ground sea salt, then dollop over the eggs. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives.
Monte Cristo Sandwich – Mix together your favorite french toast batter (I use 2 eggs, 1 c. of milk, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and a splash of vanilla). Slice a loaf of fresh french bread and make a sandwich, adding a slice of Swiss cheese and smoked turkey. Dip the sandwich into the french toast mixture and cook of a hot griddle until golden brown on each side. For Hubster I load up the sandwich with, turkey, ham, Swiss and Provolone. My son likes turkey with Swiss and Provolone. Some people like to serve with jam, mustard,or powdered sugar. I like to use maple syrup for brunch (gourmet champagne dill mustard for lunch).
Pecan Caramel Apple Pancakes – Caramel and almond extract in the batter, hot pancakes topped with Golden Delicious apples, caramel sauce, and pecans? Mmm… Ge the how to here.
Quiché – Always a brunch favorite, can be made with any combination of veggies, cheese and meats you choose. Try my crustless Quiché.
Chicken Broccoli Crepes – First, I make savory crepes. Then, I sauté the chicken and broccoli and make a white cheddar sauce to top it off with.
Turkey Sausage – Remember to add the fennel when your use this turkey sausage recipe.
Serve biscotti with coffee, tea and hot cocoa. Prepare Jam with fresh scones.
