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February 25, 2016
At Home with Friends

2 comments

Banana, Bourbon Fruitcake

I don’t know where this recipe originally came from but it has been in my handwritten recipe collection for at least 15 years. When I first made it, I macerated the dried fruit in amaretto liqueur overnight. As my taste has become more sophisticated, I switched to bourbon. If you don’t want to use alcohol, […]

February 22, 2016
At Home with Friends

4 comments

Ricotta, Almond, Raspberry Cake

I am always trying to come up with gluten free cakes that taste great and no one suspects are gluten free. Too many recipes use odd ingredients to compensate for the lack of gluten and they end up missing the mark. Sometimes the taste is wrong, sometimes the texture is wrong and sometimes the presentation […]

February 18, 2016
At Home with Friends

3 comments

Chocolate Chip, Banana, Cherry Cake

I’ve been making variations on this recipe for more years than I can remember. It’s always slightly different depending on what I add in and depending on the ripeness of the bananas. The basic recipe stays the same and there are never any leftovers. The original was loaded with golden raisins, chocolate chips and walnuts. […]

February 15, 2016
At Home with Friends

2 comments

Individual Baked Croissants with Caramelized Fruit

I’ve been experimenting with ideas for breakfast bread puddings or baked French toast. I didn’t want too much bread and I wanted to include caramelized fruit. When I saw a package of fresh croissants at Costco, the idea came together. I wanted to bake them in individual containers. There’s something very appealing about having our […]

GAME PLAN: NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH

January 1, 2016

12:30 P.M.

4 Weeks Before

  • Invite guests.
  • Think about menu (if it’s elaborate like mine, you will need help in the kitchen and a bartender).
  • Book kitchen staff and bartender now!
  • Make a detailed shopping list.
  • Buy all non-perishables including alcohol.

3 Weeks Before

2 Weeks Before

  • Confirm guest list.
  • Organize all dishes, serving pieces and table linens.
  • Prepare Homemade Granola and store in an airtight container.

1 Week Before

  • Finalize menu and shopping list.
  • Prepare glaze for Baked Ham and store in refrigerator in an airtight container.
  • Buy croissants. (Stale croissants are better for this recipe.)

5 Days Before

  • Do all grocery shopping.
  • Wash all the fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Buy flowers.

4 Days Before

  • Arrange flowers.
  • Set table, organize all platters and bar.

2 Days Before

Day Before

New Year’s Day

February 8, 2016

New Year’s Day Brunch

Menu

Buffet

Turkey hash (GF)

Homemade buttermilk biscuits with baked ham and hollandaise sauce

* Baked eggs with roasted pepper saffron sauce (GF)

Smoked salmon with bagels and cream cheese

* Pumpkin waffles with yoghurt and ginger syrup

* Saag paneer (GF)

* Indian spiced potatoes (GF)

* Chana masala (garbanzo beans) (GF)

* Roasted mushrooms (GF)

* Banana, bourbon fruitcake

* Chocolate chip, banana, cherry cake

* Individual baked croissants with caramelized fruit

* Blueberry muffin cake

* Ricotta, almond, raspberry cake (GF)

* Breakfast parfait with homemade granola and berries

* Freshly baked blueberry focaccia bread

Beverages

Coffee

Tea

Mimosas

Bloody Marys

(GF) Gluten Free

* Vegetarian

February 8, 2016

February 4, 2016
At Home with Friends

no comments

New Year’s Day Brunch

Welcome to 2016! My friends and I started the New Year with a glorious feast at my house. The invitation was for Brunch and Bloody Marys. We started at 12:30 and were still eating at 5:00 in the afternoon. Some people make New Year’s resolutions. I don’t believe in resolutions. I believe in setting intent […]