Spring Brunch

This cosy, informal repast is largely prepared ahead of time with the food going from the fridge to the oven or straight to the table. As last minute preparations are minimal, the host and hostess can sit down with their guests.

Since brunch is the first meal of the day, the menu should include eggs in one shape or another-scrambled, an omelette or quiche (onion, mushroom or spinach). It should also include cereal, especially if some of the guests are children, various breads, croissants, sweet buns and muffins, preserves and compotes. Since brunch is enjoyed around midday, it also features pâtés and terrines, ham or a mixed grill, assorted salads, cheeses and desserts. Nothing could be simpler than brunch dishes, most of which use common products that Metro carries. Abundance and variety are the keys to a successful brunch, which is all about delicious, relaxed indulgence. With its menu and timing, brunch pleases everyone.

Brunch for a crowd can be served buffet style with the table pushed against the wall or under the window, plates piled by type with forks and knives lined up beside them, and glasses and pitchers of fresh fruit juice at one end of the table. Coffee, tea and cups are set up somewhere else. Cold dishes, salads and assorted desserts are arranged around the ham or cake placed in the middle of the table. Hot dishes are brought out when ready. Guests help themselves to whatever they want.

Even a buffet-style brunch is rather like an elaborate, late breakfast and the same rules apply. So the menu always includes fruit juice. However, flavourful cocktails can make good eye-openers, a lively start to a brunch during which coffee and tea will be served. Three that are particularly suitable are a bloody Mary (tomato juice with a shot of vodka), Campari and orange juice (one measure of Campari to six of juice) or a mimosa (orange juice with champagne or sparkling wine). After noon, light red, white or rosé wines are appropriate.

Finally, a brunch should always feature one dish that stands out from the others. Some people feel that molasses baked beans with fatback fills the bill. Others make sure that the menu includes some exotic, colourful or vegetarian dishes to excite and delight their guests. Puff pastry with fresh tofu and basil drizzled with soya sauce for example. Another good example, a stacked omelette cake made with various flavoured omelettes, can be served hot, warm or cold. Exotic mango-papaya fruit salad with green lemon juice is a sure hit. And everybody loves spiced coffee. Prepare coffee as usual and flavour with a mix of mace, nutmeg, cardamom and juniper. Eat, drink and be merry!

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