how to brunch

The best part of brunch, besides the obvious boozing before noon, is the versatility and simplicity in it all. Brunch does not have to be complicated. Rather, brunch can be delicious with the basics, such as oatmeal, fruit, eggs, toast, or mimosas - sometimes served up with twists. Whether you are hosting a brunch party, or heading out with friends, here are a list of my favorites that you could easily replicate at home, pack for a picnic, or order out.

Brunch at Stoneacre Brasserie, Newport, RI

Let's dicuss toasts. I love rye bread (dark rye/pumpernickel, not the marbled style), but also enjoy olive bread, and multigrain with seeds. Here are some of my favorite toppings for toast:

• poached eggs

• avocado toast with crushed red pepper

• roasted wild mushrooms with mixed greens topped with truffle oil

• hummus with pinenuts or jalapeños

• radish and black pepper butter

• ricotta with chili oil and lemon slices

• cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and thinly-sliced pickled onions

• mushrooms, arugula, pesto, and walnuts

• avocado, bacon, arugula, and heirloom tomato

Onto eggs. Poached and scrambled are my favorites, but omelettes or frittatas are helpful when feeding a crowd in various way. One, it is a great way to use up vegetables and protein that you have leftover, and second, it can be made ahead of time and left to serve at room temperature, if you prefer. You can serve with crusty bread, mixed greens, a chipotle or dijon aioli, and/or fresh fruit. 

Brunch at Four Seasons, Las Vegas, NV

If you are in need of something heartier, oatmeal is a good brunch item. Overnight oats are easy, and again, you can practically mix in anything you like. You can also prepare oatmeal in the morning if you prefer to eat it hot. Here are some fun ingredients to mix in or top your oatmeal with:

• brown sugar and toasted pecans

• cinnamon, brown sugar, diced apples

• dried or fresh figs, walnuts, and raw honey

• nut butter, fresh berries, and sliced banana

• crunchy nut butter and raspberry jam

• sliced banana and a drizzle of nutella

Other brunch ideas:

• creme-brûléed grapefruit

• bagels with lox (smoked salmon, capers, thinly-sliced lemon, and pickled red onion)

• eggs benedict with crab cakes, mixed greens, and a lemon vinaigrette

• fried poached egg

• croque monsieur

Brunch at Medina Cafe, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

For those with a sweet tooth, here are my favorite recipes:

• Barefoot Contessa's Challah French Toast

• buckwheat pancakes - you can add chocolate chips, or top with bananas foster and whipped cream

The final component of brunch are the beverages. Brunch doesn't necessarily need to be boozy, especially if you are trying to detox, so here are some non-alcholic favorites:

• lavender latte

• maple bourbon chai latte a

• london fog (early grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla)

• cortado

• freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice

• cold brew

Brunch at Bayberry Beer Hall, Providence, RI

Alcoholic faves:

• mimosa (basic or pomegranate)

• bellini

• champagne cocktails such as French 75 or Kir Royale

• spicy bloody mary

Brunch is an essential part of my weekend. With these ideas, you'll master brunch!