Brunch is perhaps the ultimate decadent meal. Why? Well, I love to start things with a big bang, and that is precisely what brunch is for me. A delicious breakfast (my favourite meal) that is not rushed, often with a twist to make it special, but most importantly that it is shared.
One important thing to remember, is that a great brunch does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as yogurt with granola and a big pot of coffee, or as decadent as layer after layer of flavours and mimosas. Below are a few simple and easy ideas for brunch, I encourage you to try any or all of them, it might be the start of a new tradition in your home.
- Real Greek yogurt, fruit compote and granola. For the fruit compote simply mix different types of berries and let them simmer at a low temperature on the stove for a few minutes with a squeeze of lemon juice and sugar to taste. Place the yogurt, fruit compote and granola (the best quality you can buy or make your own but there are so many good ones out there specially in local bakeries) in different bowls and let everyone help themselves.
- Scrambled eggs with salmon. Whether you make simple scrambled eggs and mix them with smoked salmon, or put it on top when served on a plate, it’s up to you, try it and choose your favourite way. My only advice is not to make this only for brunch, treat yourself in the middle of the week. Serve on a slice of toast.
- Pancakes. Let’s keep this one simple, choose your favourite pancake mix, mine is Bob’s Red Mill Pancake Mix and top it with fresh blueberries, strawberries, cooked apple, maple syrup or honey. Pancakes always take me back to my childhood! If you want to make your own, then I can suggest Leon’s Saturday Pancake recipe, perfect if you don’t have a sweet tooth.
- Shakshuka eggs. My favourite and simplest recipe is by Ottolenghi, you won’t be disappointed.
- Corn fritters with avocado salsa. This meal reminds me of our time in Australia, and although there are quite a few recipes out there, Bill Granger’s have to be one of my favourites.
- Drinks. Orange juice, English breakfast tea, coffee and/or mimosas. My advice is to offer various options depending on who is sitting at the table.
Here are a few tips for a perfect mimosa.
- Equal ratio of dry sparking wine and freshly squeezed orange juice (no bits).
- Add the wine first then the orange juice. This way the cocktail mixes on its own and there is less mess.
- You can prepare it in a jar if serving a big crowd.
- A few popular variations are to add fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries; you can add a tablespoon of Grand Mariner, but I prefer to keep it simple.
- Needless to say, for a mocktail try alcohol free wine, or sparkling water. I recommend to use the alcohol-free wine as it tastes closer to the original, alternatively you can also try flavoured sparkling water.
Photo credits: Mimosa tree by TOMOKO UJI on Unsplash, Pancakes by Sam Moghadam Khamseh on Unsplash, Shakshuka by Jenn Kosar on Unsplash, Mimosa drinks by Love & Lemons