Want to treat mom to a homemade brunch without getting stuck in the kitchen all morning? Join her at the table and enjoy her company with these easy, mostly make-ahead recipes. Best of all, the simple preparations belie the elegant look of these dishes, so mom and guests are sure to be impressed with your culinary skills.
1. Strawberry Ginger Broiled Grapefruit
© 2008 Miri Rotkovitz
Start off with broiled grapefruit halves topped with a spicy-sweet strawberry ginger glaze. This recipe is easily multiplied to accommodate guests, and the jam and ginger topping can be mixed in advance and refrigerated until you're ready to use it.
2. Poppy-Topped Cheese Quiche
Miri Rotkovitz
This crustless quiche is so easy and so pretty. It's also adaptable -- whether you prefer a plain cheese or vegetable version, it's delicious. Make more than one if you're serving a crowd, as this tends to go fast!
3. Fennel and Orange Salad With Mint
© 2008 Miri Rotkovitz
A perfect counterpoint to the cheese quiche, this sprightly salad has the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Plus, it's a great way to use up that bunch of mint you'll need for dessert...
4. Fresh Mint Pound Cake
© 2007 Miri Rotkovitz
Perfect with fresh berries, this mint-flecked cake is a great way to end the meal. For an especially indulgent finish, serve with freshly whipped cream or chocolate sauce.
5. Assorted Herbal Teas and Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee
© 2007 Miri Rotkovitz
Offer a selection of herbal teas -- loose tea is especially nice -- and add a touch of cinnamon to the brew basket when you make that pot of coffee. It's classy [i]and[/i] considerate to give your guests options. Mom will definitely approve.
