If you know me, you already know that brunch is one of my favorite things in life. I think it's the most wonderful excuse to spend time with good people and enjoy great food. I recently hosted a small brunch to celebrate one of my dearest work friends. She is having a sweet baby boy in the fall and brunch seemed like the perfect opportunity to sprinkle her with some love. Are you searching for some brunch inspiration? I've got some delicious menu ideas and beautiful table settings for you! Let's talk about table settings first. For this brunch I decided to use elements of black and white with accents of bright green. I purchased a black tablecloth at Home Goods that I cut in half and stitched a fabric runner down the center to make the tablecloth fit my table better. I used the same fabric to make some cloth napkins for my guests to use. Black and white plates were layered and topped with a simple faux green stem. The look was clean and simple but still elegant. For centerpieces, fresh florals are always a win in my book - they're effortless and always beautiful. If flowers don't fit your style or budget, fresh fruits and vegetables also make a wonderful centerpiece and they can be used later. I really like using citrus fruits as vase filler - they're bright and cheery and generally inexpensive. I used elements of black and white as well as green in other locations in my kitchen to make the theme consistent. Monstera leaves are so on-trend right now and you can find the giant faux ones everywhere! Hobby Lobby, Target, and Wal-mart all have a great selection of them in store. Need some menu ideas for your next brunch? I kept it simple and included a lot of items that could be prepped ahead of time: A yogurt bar - vanilla yogurt with lots of different toppings including fresh fruit, granola, shredded coconut, and sliced almonds. Mini muffins and mini cinnamon rolls - both could be made ahead or purchased from a local bakery. Savory vegetable tart - There is so much opportunity to make it fit your taste preferences and most of this dish can be prepped ahead. More recipe details can be found here. Summer salad - Use what it in season! I prepared a peach and walnut salad and the recipe can be found here. Prep everything ahead and save the dressing for last! Guacamole BLT's - one of my absolute favorite dishes. I prepped the sandwiches the morning of the event and served them at room temperature - they were delicious! More details on guacamole BLT's can be found here. What's brunch without cocktails? I served up some white peach sangria for my guests. For the guests that prefer something non-alcoholic, serve sparkling water with lemons and strawberries. The fruit adds delicious extra flavor! I like to make a drink service area with extra napkins, glassware and straws, and some flavorful garnishes. Citrus fruits and fresh herbs like mint and basil make great drink garnishes. I hope you get to brunch and enjoy some time with your favorite people very soon!
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Savory tarts have been my recent obsession! I have been using so many beautiful farmers market vegetables to create a variety of different flavors and I might have really found my new favorite brunch dish. Even better, this tart can be prepped ahead and assembled just before baking. Let's get started! You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry dough - thawed 1 egg + 1 tsp. cold water whisked together for egg wash 1 large yellow onion - sliced into strips 2-3 large bell peppers - sliced into strips 2 tbsp. diced jalapeno 3-4 garlic cloves - minced 1/3 cup cherry tomatoes - halved 1/4 cup bacon pieces 2 tbsp unsalted butter salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme for seasoning 6 eggs Fresh oregano, green onions for garnishing Cheese spread: 6 oz feta cheese crumbles - room temperature 4 oz cream cheese - room temperature 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. dried thyme 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp black pepper Juice from half a lemon 1. Prepare the cheese spread. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and feta until semi-smooth. Mixing on low speed, add the olive oil and mix until smooth. Add the spices and mix well. Beat in lemon juice. Refrigerate the cheese spread if not using it right away. Cheese spread should be room temperature for assembly. 2. To prepare veggies: Using a large skillet, melt butter over low-medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (approx. 1-2 minutes). 3. Add onions and toss in melted butter. Turn on low heat and allow onions to caramelize. Stir periodically for 15-20 minutes. 4. Add jalapeno and bell peppers to the onions. Continue to cook over low-medium heat until vegetables are caramelized and cooked (approx. 15-20 minutes) 5. Season vegetables with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme to taste. Set aside until ready to assemble tart. 6. When ready to assemble the tart, lightly flour your surface and roll out puff pastry slightly larger than a 9x13 baking pan or stone. Transfer puff pastry to a parchment lined pan. Pre-bake puff pastry for 8-10 minutes until starting to brown. Cool slightly. 7. Spread cheese evenly over puff pastry. Top cheese with cooked vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and bacon bits. Stretch edges of the puff pastry to slightly cover the outer the vegetables. 8. Brush edges of puff pastry with egg wash. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until pastry is browned around the edges. 9. Remove from oven and crack 6 eggs on top of vegetables. Return to oven for 10 more minutes until egg whites have set but yolks are still runny. 10. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over veggies and garnish with salt, pepper, fresh oregano or chopped green onions. |
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