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February 18, 2016
At Home with Friends

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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. […]

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

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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 […]

April 1, 2015
At Home with Friends

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Videos: New Year’s Day Brunch 2015 (PART I)

Some people celebrate the New Year by going out New Year’s Eve and drinking large quantities of their favorite adult beverage. I celebrate by throwing a scrumptious New Year’s Day Brunch. Of course, there are adult beverages for those who need the “hair of the dog” or for those who abstained the night before. Here’s […]

February 9, 2015
At Home with Friends

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What’s on My Table: New Year’s Day Brunch

My copper collection started with a gleaming copper-and-brass chafing dish my mother brought home one day. She was in a silver plating shop, having silver platters replated, when it caught her eye. Someone had brought it in to be polished and never picked it up. The storeowner sold it to her and home it came. […]