A Weekend Brunch
By Brenda Hyde
The weekends and holidays are a perfect time for a special
festive brunch. Whether it's New Year's Day,
Christmas or a special Sunday, it's a
great time for creating family memories by
visiting over great food. Take your choice of
these easy recipes, bring out the nice dishes
and enjoy the time together!
Stuffed French Toast with Strawberries
Ingredients:
8 slices white or wheat bread, cut 1 inch thick
8 ounces cream cheese
6 tablespoons strawberry preserves
1 1/3 cups milk
4 eggs
2 tsp. granulated sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 tablespoons powdered sugar
4 cups sliced strawberries
Cut each bread slice in half crosswise.
With a sharp knife cut a horizontal slit
in each half slice to make a pocket. In
a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and
preserves. Spead 1/16 (approximately) of
the mixture inside each bread pocket. Pinch
edges of bread together to hold filling. In a
shallow bowl whisk together milk, egg, sugar,
vanilla and cinnamon. Dip filled bread slices
in egg mixture to coat. Cook about 6 minutes
or until golden brown, turning once. Top with
strawberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Brunch Ideas: Serve these with scrambled eggs
(add some chopped chives for a nice touch), and
your choice of breakfast meat.
Ham and Potato Frittata
Note: this serves 4, so make two if you have more
guests.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon oil
3 medium potatoes
1 1/2 cups chopped ham
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper
6 large eggs, beaten
Peel potatoes, cut in half length wise and slice thin.
Heat oil in medium size nonstick skillet over medium
heat. Add potatoes, cover and cook 12 minutes,
stirring occastionally, until tender and browned.
Stir in ham, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour in
eggs. Cook 5 minutes, tilting skillet and lifting edges
of frittata with a spatuala so uncooked eggs can run
underneath. Heat broiler. If skillet handle is wood or
plastic double-wrap with foil to prevent scorching.
Broil 4-5 inches from broiler or heat source 3-4 minutes
until eggs are set and top is golden.
Brunch ideas: Serve frittata with fresh fruit, or a fruit
salad, french bread or rolls and a light dessert.
Egg Fajitas
Note: This can be set up as a buffet type meal where each
person makes their own plate.
Ingredients:
8 flour tortillas
16 large eggs
1/2 cup scallions, or green onion tops
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 tsp. butter or margerine
Bacon, Ham, Candadian Bacon
or crumbled breakfast sausage
12 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
Cook meat first by frying in a skillet or an
electric frying pan. Choose at least two of
the meats listed; about 1/2 pound each.
Meanwhile whisk eggs, scallions, mustard, salt
and pepper in a large bowl until blended. Melt
butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high
heat. Add egg mixture and cook, stirring, until set.
Heat tortillas as directed.
Place meat, eggs and tortillas on individual platters.
Serve the cheddar cheese and extra green onions
along side the platters to be used as toppings.
Have guests place items on the tortilla and
roll up to eat just as you do for fajitas.
Brunch ideas: Set up this buffet as self serve.
Also serve with fresh fruit and hash browns.
About the author
Brenda Hyde is a wife, mom to three, a freelance writer, and editor of Old Fashioned Living.
