Posted by author Lisa Barnes (www.petitappetit.com)
Editor’s note:
With this severe winter finally starting to wind down, it’s almost time to restart one of my favorite nice-weather traditions – the Sunday brunch.
Bon appétit!
-Jeanette Shaw
When it was just me and my husband, we went out to dinner and hosted dinner parties quite often on the weekends. Wining and dining was our social activity of choice to catch up with friends and family and discover new restaurants and recipes. Flash forward a few years and two children later and our social activity of choice for sharing recipes and visiting with friends and family, has become brunch. Whether it’s a special occasion holiday gathering, or a simple Sunday with friends, brunch is a great way to celebrate the everyday.
Brunch is leisurely and allows for more family friendly timing than other times of day, avoiding worry about bedtime, soccer games, and other obligations. It’s a chance for the family (kids and adults) to spend time and play together. Sometimes asking children to come together for a meal (no matter what time of day) without any form of activity or play is too difficult. This is especially true if they’re going to see other children their age. Knowing they can play after or before eating, either in the house or park or other destination, seems to relax them so they will eat and enjoy brunch.
Brunch is also great for menu planning. There are many dishes that can be made ahead so you can enjoy your company. There’s also a wide variety of foods, looking at both breakfast and lunch options, that appeal to all ages. When having kids at brunch (or really any meal) I like to have something they can put together themselves. Whether it’s spreading bagels with cream cheese, making a yogurt parfait, or decorating fruit faces on pancakes, kids like to be creative and involved. And if the kids are not already familiar with everyone at the table, it’s a fun ice breaker to get to know and laugh with each other.
With all the inclement weather this winter we’ve had quite a few brunches, aka playdates, with my son’s new kindergarten friends and their families. We’ve been fine tuning the brunch menu, and here are the favorites right now. As you’ll notice these are all great menu items for any time of day. And most of these ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples (eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, bagels) to prepare quickly and easily:
· Savory Bread Pudding if making ahead, or a simple egg and vegetable scramble made just before eating.
· Platter of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers, with a basket of mini bagels and English muffins.
· Arugula salad with avocado and toasted almonds with balsamic vinaigrette.
· Maple yogurt over mixed seasonal fruit, and topped with granola or Energy Bark (recipe follows).
· Juice sparklers (bubble water with a splash of juice) for kids, and mimosas for adults.
Energy Bark
(from Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry)
Inspired by a Parents Magazine recipe, this snack gives a boost of fuel to keep up with busy children. This is a favorite around my house because of the great crunchy texture and sweet flavor. Feel free to omit or substitute your favorite crunchy cereal for the almonds if you want to avoid nuts. Once thoroughly cooled, let children help break apart.
Makes about 3 cups; 14 servings
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
¼ cup toasted wheat germ
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons organic unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (do not feed honey to baby under 1 year)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almonds, coconut, wheat germ, flour and cinnamon.
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until thick and bubbly, 30 seconds. Pour the sugar mixture over oat mixture and stir with a rubber spatula to combine and coat all dry ingredients.
Spread on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and let cool completely on baking sheet. Break into pieces.
Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
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