Brunch Menu Ideas

[MSeymour]

A friend of mine is hosting a brunch for a large get together of her friends and co-workers, and asked me to help her with the menu. Does anyone have any recipe suggestions for what to serve at a brunch (it's on a Saturday at 11:00am)? Any ideas would be very appreciated.

[lorilei]

How about the french toast souffle?

Hard-boiled eggs make excellent brunch fare and can be presented in a variety of ways... as devilled eggs, plain hard-boiled eggs, egg salad etc.

I like the idea of having many options -- serving eggs, ham and rolls for instance gives guests a chance to build breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Served with a variety of mustards and herbed mayos, it makes a stunning display with a bit of fresh fruit.

[Susan]

This is my all-time favorite egg casserole (not light!):
7 eggs (6 X-large), beaten
1 t salt
pepper to taste
1 C milk
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 lb. small curd cottage cheese
1/2 C butter, softened
1/2 lb. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. montery jack cheese, shredded
1 t baking powder
1/2 C flour

In one bowl mix eggs, salt pepper and milk. In another bowl combine all cheeses and butter. Mix egg mixture and cheese mixture and add baking powder and flour. Mix well. Pour into a 9 X 13 inch baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

I always get raves when I serve this or take it to breakfast/brunch functions.

~~Susan~~

[MSeymour]

Thanks for the recipe Susan! You reminded me of another egg casserole recipe I have at home that might come in handy too.

[Leanne]

I'm looking for brunch food too - I have a friend who is supposed to be getting me a shrimp/artichoke/grit casserole that is absolutely amazing.
My mom also makes a great garlic cheese grit casserole that's good & easy too.
(Clearly you can tell I'm from the south!)
Other things we're considering are fruit, bacon/sausage, ham & buscuits, little muffins, scrambled eggs - we may now do that casserole mentioned above. Hard bioled eggs are a good idea too.
Something else I've had before that was really tasty & a little different was thick sliced bacon with brown sugar on it.

[This message has been edited by Leanne (edited 08-09-2000).]

[Abby]

Please, please post the shrimp/artichoke/grits casserole when you get the recipe!!!!

[This message has been edited by Abby (edited 08-09-2000).]

[Concha]

You should try the Vegetable-and-cheese Strata from CL-Nov.96 (pg 118)--it's a make-ahead and it's delicious. Asparagus-and-Tomato Pasta Salad from CL-Apr.96 (pg 86) is a different and refreshing salad; also easy. Monkey Bread is a must--CL-Jan/Feb. 95 (pg 102); very easy, and you can make it ahead of time.

[Susan]

MSeymour~You are most welcome for the recipe! I had another idea...breakfast burritos! (I just found a recipe from a cookbook called "Frozen Assets" that I am going to try soon.) Fruit smoothies might be fun as well.

Leanne~I love the Southern cheese grits casserole and make it all the time! Delicious!

~~Susan~~

[MrsReber]

Here's something different and interesting. It's from a little book of recipes from VA bed and breakfasts:

Mock Pizza

6 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Toppings: thinly slice onions, peppers, mushrooms, cooked sausage, ham, veggies.

1 14 oz. can chopped tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
1 tsp basil
Grated Mozzerella cheese

Combine eggs and next four seasonings togther and pur into a sprayed deep dish pie pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with any or all of the toppings. Bake approximately 25 minutes. While pie is cooking, heat tomatoes, tomato sauce and basil. Cut Mock Pizza into pie slices, place on plates, top with sauce and a sprinkling of Mozzerella.

Yield 8 slices

[Vanessa]

I would start with sparkling orange cocktails, mimosas or bellinis. This will make guests feel special and is elegant. You can have a ham or a smoke turkey breast, scones, muffins or assorted breads or sour cream & herb muffins, a light salad, fruit salad and a great dessert like a Bundt coffee cake (for a bigger crowd maybe several option desserts)
If you want it more breakfast-like then a strata might be a good idea. A broccoli & ham, or several quiches (broccoli, ham or cheese)
You could have some friends make you some things and help you out. The zucchini tomato tart in one of the threads seem nice (or was it garden tart?)Or you can make (using Bisquick) zucchinino crust quiche (since there are so available) or garden vegetable pie for vegetarian guests.
Coffee, tea some biscottis and don't forget to take pictures of your get together brunch.

[This message has been edited by Vanessa (edited 08-10-2000).]

[Peggy]

Recently, I made the Cheddar, Bacon, and Tomato Strata (CL October 1999) for a brunch and everyone thought it was great it. It was nice to be able to make it the day before so I could focus on the rest of the menu in the morning.

Peggy