The Post-Holiday Brunch
Whip up an amazing and simple midmorning meal
Whether you open gifts, attend religious services, or just loaf around the house with family and friends, the morning after a big holiday is a great time for a leisurely meal.
While the style of entertaining may be casual, you can make the table special with a nice tablecloth or runner, bouquets of flowers or even a centerpiece of fresh fruit, then use paper plates and napkins to make clean-up a breeze.
If your brunch is going to be served toward midday, think about adding a green salad and roast potatoes to a selection of traditional breakfast dishes. Be sure to include a variety of baked goods, fruit and some kind of protein on your shopping list. Beverages could include orange juice (with champagne for mimosas if you like), other 100 percent fruit juices, virgin cocktails made with pomegranate juice, coffee and tea. Have plenty of ice water on hand, too.
Some easy “serve yourself” options that don’t require a lot of prep include platters of breakfast pastries, deviled eggs, sliced and soft cheeses; or a tray of bagels with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, sliced red onions, cucumbers and tomatoes. To dress up plain cream cheese, combine or layer it with chopped sundried tomatoes, minced green onions or even pesto. Fresh chopped fruit and vegetables are always good to include as well.
Make-ahead dishes like Smoked Ham and Cheddar Strata and Winter Fruit Salad will allow you a little extra time for sleeping in; just don't forget to set the coffee on auto brew the night before!
