Recipes
Taste of Home deputy editor Julie Schnittka shares the recipes she makes when hosting an elegant brunch gathering.
Springtime and brunch just seem to go hand in hand, especially in the Midwest, where we like to push winter out of the way and usher in warmer weather in style. It’s all about easy elegance with fresh flavors, delicate textures and a hint of sparkle.
Whether I’m hosting Easter breakfast for family or a laid-back weekend spring brunch with friends, this is the menu I rely on. It’s the perfect way to invite guests to slow down, savor the moment and enjoy the fresh energy of spring.
1/5
Recipes
Peach Bellinis
From the Recipe Creator:
The Bellini was born at Harry’s Bar in Venice, and is now a universally loved brunch cocktail and summertime sipper. A homemade peach syrup makes these bright and luscious. Just add Prosecco for a fizzy finish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 318 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (60g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
As guests walk in the door, I offer them this sparkly drink to sip on while they settle in. The simple syrup can be made weeks in advance. Just get some bottles of Prosecco chilling in the fridge the night before.
2/5
Recipes
Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 89 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Talk about easy elegance! These bite-sized appetizers come together in 30 minutes and conveniently start with frozen puff pastry. Instead of salmon, you could use small cooked shrimp—or make a variety of both.
3/5
Recipes
Spinach Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
A versatile and comforting dish, you can enjoy this quiche’s creamy blend of gruyere cheese and hearty spinach any time of the day. Bits of shallots sprinkled throughout and a crisp crust compliment the egg base. It’ll be hard to stop at just one slice! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 590 calories, 48g fat (29g saturated fat), 258mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
The creamy egg base that’s nestled in a buttery crust will make this quiche recipe a family favorite. When pressed for time, I turn to a store-bought pie crust instead of making one from scratch. No one will be the wiser.
4/5
Recipes
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 fruit.
This colorful fruit salad is bursting with fresh, juicy flavor. And it’s such a versatile recipe because you can use whatever fruit you prefer. I assemble the fruit and prep the dressing the night before, then toss and chill before my guests arrive.
5/5
Recipes
Lemon Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 282 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
After chocolate desserts, lemon is my favorite flavor. This cool, creamy, refreshing mousse is the perfect ending to every spring and summer meal. Tip: Make the recipe a few days in advance so it’s ready and waiting to be served up.