Sunday Morning Brunch Ideas
Most of you will feel that food on a Sunday should be all about the traditional Sunday roast. I assume that’s mostly from the perspective of those of you who eat it – but don’t have to cook it. I mean it’s Sunday; who wants to be hurrying in the kitchen slaving away on this so-called “day of rest”.
Why not enjoy a relaxing brunch instead? Most things can be prepared in advance and it is a much more peaceful way to spend your Sunday afternoons. I like to get the cake stands out and place all kinds of bowls in the centre of the table for everyone to help themselves.
The first step is steaming hot drinks of course – such a comforting touch to hold a mug in your hands and it allows you to wake up slowly too. Home brewed coffee, huge teapots, ice cold milk for cereals, warm milk for lattes. For a treat, indulge in a real hot chocolate: just melt squares of dark chocolate in milk and add just a touch of single cream – it makes a real difference. Make it an adult version by adding just a spoonful of Grand Marnier. As for orange juice, make it slightly tangier by mixing a little lemon juice with it. It’s much more refreshing and it will increase the vitamin count too.
A savoury touch is always a welcome addition; like the usual bacon and eggs. An alternative would be to make a plate with torn mozzarella, a few slices of prosciutto and Parma ham, a little mixed leaves salad and roasted pepper salsa. The salsa can be brought from the shop or if you want to make it yourself: roast slices of the pepper at 220 degrees C for 30mn and put in a blender with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar. During the summer, mix butter with herbs (parsley, chives etc.) and serve with radishes – a nice, refreshing touch. A cheese plate will also prove quite popular. Go for simple tastes, like cheddar for example, make goats’ cheese balls and roll them in fresh herbs or sesame seeds. Simple – yet delicious!
This also is the perfect time to show off your homemade jams and spreads. Making your own chocolate spread is sure to be a hit. Another great idea is letting the kids create “fun toasts” by using pastry cutters once the bread is toasted. You can also try this with brioche and it keeps the kids occupied as well. Be sure to keep the offcuts; if you fancy it you can bake a bread and butter pudding later on.
Compotes can make a lovely addition. I make a special winter one with Bramley apples, pears, raisins and walnuts infused in chai tea for 10 minutes. For an exotic touch; try a little cooked mango, with a little sugar and vanilla added. This will be ready within 10 minutes or so, and is splendid with some Greek yogurt. If you find this too sweet, you can wrap a selection of seasonal slices of fruit in baking paper and cook this in the oven at 220 degrees for 10 minutes, or roast plums dusted with cinnamon for 30 minutes. Your guests can add honey or a sprinkle of sugar later to their tastE.
If you have the time, bake a cake or two the previous day. Simple things like a sponge cake – you can always transform it as a trifle later. If you love baking make some scones, add chocolate chips or candied ginger to those for a breakfast version. Pancakes can also make an easy option. The trick for extra fluffy ones is to pour just a touch of elderflower cordial to the dough. This can wait overnight in the fridge and be cooked at the last minute. For a little fun to amaze the kids, add some food colorant to it!
Your guests are sure to bring a little something to contribute to the brunch and you are sure to have a real feast; buy cheap Tupperware boxes and let your guests fill one to take away before going back home. You will still have enough to sort out your Monday pack lunches and I guarantee your colleagues will really envy it!
So why not try a brunch this week; it’ll be fun, look and taste great and give you that much needed break from the kitchen this Sunday.
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