Brunch Ideas?

[hub1176]

We are having a brunch after my dd's baptism - I've never done this before and am looking for ideas. I want things that can be made ahead - So if anyone has any guggestions I would appreciate it!

What are absolute must have's?

Should I set up stations in different rooms(ie: hot foods in the kitchen, cold foods in the dining room?)

[KarenS]

Do a french toast casserole. Very easy, very good. Very filling. We made this at my cousins after-wedding brunch for the family.

1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Maple syrup

Slice French bread into slices about 1-inch each. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well.

[nic]

here are some ideas:

Frittata (with whatever fillings you like)
fruit salad
bagels
muffins or coffee cake

Spiral ham or turkey (or both depending on how many people you expect)
garden salad
roasted potatoes
baked ziti
meatballs
cold cut platter
potato salad
calzones
chicken, broccoli & ziti

let me know if you need any recipes

[mrstim]

Egg Brunch Bake (like a quiche)
Fresh Fruit
Biscuits
Bagels/english muffins with cream cheeses
Blueberry Muffins
Spinach Artichoke Dip/Chips

Keep it simple - it doesn't have to be elaborate!!! :) Those are just a few ideas.

Good Luck!

Amy ;)

[hub1176]

nic - how do you make a Frittata?

I also know that my family will want to bring things - should I keep a list of needs/wants or let them bring whatever they want to make(only because some of them will ask me what I want)?

[nic]

Here's a recipe I like to use.


1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 red pepper (diced)
6 eggs
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves of garlic (crushed, optional)

- Pre-heat oven to 350
- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Stir in olive oil and asparagus, and cook until the asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and red pepper and garlic and continue cooking about 5 minutes.
-In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour mixture into pan at cook for 5 minutes
-Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until egga no longer look runny

If you don't like any of the ingredients listed you really can substitute just about anything. I usually just add whatever I have around at that time. You can use broccoli, spinach, feta, cheddar, ham, etc...

[janders6]

We did the same thing and had (this was for 50 people):

Two kinds of baked french toast
Hashbrown casserole (could be reheated in the microwave)
Bacon/sausage (microwave)
Bagels, cream cheese, and some lunch meats and cheese so people could do sandwiches too
Condiments to go with the sandwiches
Pretzels and dip
Three different quiches (all of which could be heated in the microwave)
fruit tray with dip
Cake
Mimosas
Punch
Coke, etc

Let me know if you'd like any of the recipes. I made most of the food the day before or two days before.

[paiger]

*Bump*

I'm attending a Casual Friend Brunch on Sunday. Does anyone have any recipes that I could use a Pilsbury Pie Crust with that is sweeter~maybe w/ fruit? The hostess is making a fritatta, so I hate to bring a quiche. But, I have 4 pie crusts in my freezer from a BOGYF sale, and I need to use them!!

HELP!!