My Three Favorite Brunch Recipes

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

I love entertaining, especially in the springtime, and my favorite events to host are brunches. To me, brunch time is the perfect time of the day -- not too early and not too late. You can sit around and enjoy good food and even better fellowship. Today I'd like to share my three favorite brunch recipes with you. They're both simple and easy.

Fruit Bowl Fantastic

Fruit is always a staple at my brunch events. No matter what the season you can always find the perfect fruit to grace your table. Try this combination though and your guests will be singing your praises for days.

1 medium size watermelon
3 large mangoes
2 large peaches
1 bunch of red grapes
3 medium size green apples
Agave nectar
Cayenne pepper
Whipped cream (optional)

Wash all produce thoroughly.

Slice watermelon, mangoes, peaches, and green apples into bite-sized pieces and place in a large decorative crystal bowl.

Add red grapes.

Drizzle agave nectar over the top.

Lightly sprinkle with cayenne pepper.

Add a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.


Frappe Touche

This beverage is always popular with my guests. Most times I have to make a couple of additional batches before the affair has ended. It's simple to make but rates high scores for taste.

One large tub of Neopolitan ice cream
One large Schweppes ginger ale

Allow ice cream to soften at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes.

Scoop ice cream out of tub and into a large decorative punch bowl.

Slowly pour ginger ale over top.

Blend with large spoon.

Ladle into glasses when ready to serve.


Pineapple Cream Cheese Passion

What's a brunch without delicious appetizers? This one is my favorite and is always a hit. I promise you that they'll go fast, so even consider doubling the recipe.

5 tubs of Philadelphia Pineapple Cream Cheese
2 loaves of white bread
1 small jar of pitted green olives

Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on each slice of bread and close it with another slice of bread just as if you are making a sandwich.

Cut the ends of the bread from each sandwich.

Slice each sandwich in four diagonal parts so that each part forms a triangle.

Put a 1/2 of an olive on each sandwich triangle.

Enjoy!
 
As you can see, your brunch menu doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Keep things simple and you not only can have a delicious multi-course meal, but you can still remain relaxed, enjoy your guests, and won't have to break your wallet. 

Source:
Personal experience

*Photo: Myriam M.J. Rondeau via Flickr


[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 06/06/2014 (no longer published there).]