Wanna impress Mom this Mother’s Day? You can avoid the crowds at local restaurants by staying at home with good food, drinks and company. Lauren Lane Culinarian is sharing a few of her go-to brunch recipes perfect for entertaining. Just be sure to invite your siblings. You’ll want them to know why you are Mom’s favorite!
SPRING QUICHE
MAKES: 6 Servings
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 60 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 75 minutes
INGREDIENTS
· 1 pie dough
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 2 cups mixed veggies, such as raw spinach leaves and cooked broccoli and asparagus
· 7 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 1 1/4 cups light cream
· 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
· 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
· 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
· 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
· 3/4 cup grated gruyere or white cheddar cheese
· 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and press it into shape. Crimp the edges if desired.
3. Place a sheet of parchment paper or foil into the pie shell and fill with pie weights, uncooked rice or dried beans. Bake until the edges are very lightly golden, about 25 minutes. Remove the pie crust but keep the oven on. If edges start getting too brown, cover with a pie cover or foil.
4. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cream, herbs, nutmeg, salt and pepper in a large bowl and lightly whisk.
5. Sprinkle half of the gruyere or cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano on the crust, followed by the veggies, and then the remaining cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top and bake until set, about 35 minutes.
STRAWBERRY BRUSCHETTA
MAKES: 6 Servings
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
· 1 pound strawberries, washed and sliced
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· Kosher salt
· 1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 12 slices
· 1 cup goat or mascarpone cheese, room temperature
· 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, basil or mint leaves
· Good balsamic or balsamic glaze
· Salt and ground pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Brush bread with olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt.
3. Position oven rack a few inches below broil and preheat broiler. Align bread slices on a baking sheet. Broil first side until golden brown, about 1 minute, then flip bread slices to the opposite side and broil opposite sides until golden brown.
4. Spread cheese on toasted bread. Add a pinch of black pepper, salt, and the herbs to the strawberry mixture. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cheese-topped bruschetta. Garnish with additional herbs. Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar.
Spring Greens
MAKES: 4-6 Servings
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 0 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
· 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
· 1/2 cup olive oil
· Kosher salt and ground black pepper
· 2 teaspoons of honey
· Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 10 ounces spring greens, baby arugula, or butter lettuce
· 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
· 1 cup fresh fava beans, shelled, blanched and peeled, or frozen lima beans, thawed
· 4-6 radishes very thinly sliced
· 6-8 stalks of roasted asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces
· 4 ounces soft goat cheese or feta
INSTRUCTIONS
Dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and honey.
Salad
1. Place the lettuce in a separate bowl and toss it with enough vinaigrette to just moisten.
2. Put the lettuce on a serving platter or bowl and arrange the rest of the ingredients on top.
3. Drizzle with additional vinaigrette, if desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add spring peas, artichokes, sliced avocado, or cucumbers as an option.
For more inspiration and recipes visit @Lauren_lane_culinarian.