Saturday Brunch ideas?

nabowla

I've just invited a friend to come over for brunch tomorrow. I'd like to do a really nice meal but a) I'm stuck for ideas and b) I don't want to spend a fortune! Any ideas? I don't want to do a traditional English cooked breakfast but, other than that, I'm open to ideas. I thought I might possibly do pancakes as I've already got the eggs, milk and flour. What could I serve as munchies whilst the pancakes are cooking?

Penny-Pincher!!

Hi nabowla

Our normal brunches are full english breakfast, but sometimes venture further & healthier..lol

Sometimes I make up the thicker american style pancakes and serve with fresh strawberrys/raspberries/blueberrys and yogurt...yummy! Or do a large bowl of fresh fruit on the side so you can help yourself. Maybe make up some HM fresh rolls and offer butter, jams/preserves etc on the side too Or if serving pancakes-crisp up some bacon and serve with them and maple syrup

Fresh hot coffee is a must in our house. How about making some huge muffins to go with it.

So my choice would be:

American Pancakes with fresh berries & yogurt or crisped bacon/syrup
HM Roll served with butter & preserves
Fresh OJ
HM Muffins
Unlimited Supply of fresh coffee/Tea

Have a great time! :beer:

Penny-Pincher!!
XXX

Chris25

............scrambled eggs and smoked salmon? you can get small packs of smoked salmon shavings that aren't too costly.
you could make smoothies or fresh juice to drink and serve fruit with the pancakes.

16011996

for sat/sun brunch, i always hit the supermarket late today, they usually have croissants etc reduced to clear, and they freeze well. don't know if you have time, just an idea.

Lillibet_2

American waffles (if you have a waffle iron) with honey, maple syrup or stewed fruit
Pancakes with fruit or yogurt
Beans on toast
Poached eggs on potato waffles
Plate of sausages & bacon & sliced tomatoes & rolls to fill yourself
If it's a girly brunch bucks fizz always goes down well (and you can drink the leftover wine at dinner:D)

r.mac_2

I love brunch - my girl friends and I often go out for brunch instead of dinner (often a cheaper option too!)

some of my favourites are:
* fresh fruit - melon goes a long way chopped into small cubes. serve with some natural yohurt and museli/porridge oats
* I love porridge - serve with some berries/honey/brown sugar for a special touch
* pancakes with bacon and maple syrup (golden syrup works just as well)
* eggs - scrambled, poached or boiled. Yum
* french toast - serve with bacon for savoury or icing sugar and fruit for sweet
* tea in a proper tea pot
* cheap fruit juice (value range) watered down a little, poured into a big jug looks impressive, doesn't cost the earth but the crockery adds a sense of occassion.
* muffins are great too.

Basically, cook what you are comfortable with/can afford and make the big effort with the presentation - i find that that can make the biggest difference. Your friend will feel special wahtever you serve up.

Can I come too...........?!

nabowla

Fantastic ideas - thanks to all! I've made up a shopping list based on the ideas here: I'll see what's reduced in the supermarket this evening and shop accordingly. I've set myself a limit of £10 for the whole meal, I've never planned a meal for friends in this way before but I think that setting a limit beforehand should prevent the massive overspend that usually occurs when I have friends round for a meal.

Funnily enough I hadn't thought about the presentation at all. However, I've got some lovely china in the cupboard (all given to me as presents - I'm an MSE girl, after all!). I'll dig it out this evening and set up the table really nicely for a change. I've even got a couple of pretty champagne glasses that have never been used so perhaps I'll do some bucks fizz (with Aussie sparkling wine or cava to keep the costs down).

Thank you everyone!

bugs

On Delia's site she has a recipe for a dessert but as it is banana, yoghurt and sugar it would fit well for brunch. Basically I believe you slice bananas in to a glass dish/bowl (individual ones preferably), top with Greek yoghurt, and then sprinkle the top with soft dark brown sugar and leave overnight in the fridge. The sugar absorbs liquid from the yoghurt and becomes like a sauce. Not tried it but you probably can't go wrong.

pavlovs_dog

just wanted to give a nod of the head to you all for some lovely ideas :J

Chris25

Nabowla - what did you do?
was it this :spam: ?
and did you have a drink of :coffee: or :beer: ?

Come on, we need to know;)


160 - nice to see you on the boards again:p I've missed you.

Rikki

I like smoked salmon and scrammbled egg on toast. We have this on christmas day morning with a bottle of champagne.