An Entertaining Spring Brunch

Time to pack away the black boots and unpack the pink & green and start the spring cleaning. To motivate yourself to start the spring cleaning, set a date on the calendar and host a spring brunch. A brunch is a perfect way to kick off the season and bring friends out of hibernation. A brunch is also stress-free entertaining because all of the food can be prepared one day ahead.

Let's get started:

Start with an invitation full of bright colors and decorate the table with the same color palette.

For the menu, serve eggs, meat, non-meat option, bread and fruit. Seems like a lot but try this:

• Quiche - meat and veggie varieties
• Baked French Toast with Berry Syrup
• Fruit Kabobs or a Fruit and Yogurt Parfait with Granola
• Coffee
• Amaretto Mimosa (Recipe below)

Prepare all of the food one day ahead. If you do not want to make coffee for a crowd, purchase a traveler at Starbuck's for around $12.00 which includes all of the cream and sugar.

Set the table one day ahead. Use colors from the invite and potted plants as centerpieces and as a party favor. If you prefer cut flowers, tulips and daffodils are a great value this time of year.

When guests arrive, offer coffee and the Amaretto Mimosa. As guests chat you will have time to plate the food. Serve the food plated. Much less stressful.

Have food come out of the oven at the same time, about 30 minutes after guests arrive.

Voila! You have just treated your friends to an enjoyable morning, your house is clean and you were able to enjoy the party too. Gotta love Spring!

Amaretto Mimosa
recipe from www.epicurious.com
3 cups Orange Juice
1/4 cup Amaretto or other almond flavored liqueur
1 bottle sparkling wine

In a pitcher stir together OJ and Amaretto. Fill 6 champagne flutes halfway with mixture and top with sparkling wine.