Mother’s Day Brunch

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to gather with friends and family to enjoy good food and great company. Lauren Lane Culinarian shares a few of her go-to brunch recipes perfect for entertaining. Setting the stage for your guests can also make the experience that much sweeter. LeAnn Parker offers fun DIY projects to help you personalize your spring brunch table. 

SPRING QUICHE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pie dough

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups mixed veggies, such as raw spinach, 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°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 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 top and bake until set, about 35 minutes.

SPRING GREENS

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons of honey 

• 4 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.

4. Add additional ingredients such as spring peas, artichokes, sliced avocado, or cucumbers as desired. 

STRAWBERRY BRUSCHETTA

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound strawberries*, washed and sliced

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Kosher salt, enough to sprinkle

• 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 vinegar 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 on both sides and sprinkle with kosher salt.

3. Position oven rack a few inches below broil and preheat the broiler. Align bread slices on a baking sheet. Broil the first side until golden brown, about 1 minute, then flip bread slices to the opposite side and broil.

4. Spread cheese on toasted bread. Add a pinch of black pepper, salt, and the herbs to the strawberries. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the cheese-topped bruschetta. Garnish with additional herbs. Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar.

*Substitute peaches for strawberries in the summer.

DIY GLASS ETCHING

SUPPLIES

• Glass etching cream (read the label for safety guidelines)

• Etching stencil 

• Foam brush or craft paint brush

• Rubbing alcohol

• Glassware 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To create, prep glass by wiping the surface clean with rubbing alcohol. 

2. Once dry, place stencil on glass and brush etching cream over the area to be etched. 

3. Let sit for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water to remove cream.

ARTICHOKE CENTERPIECE

SUPPLIES 

• 10 small artichokes

• 2 varieties of greens

• 1 variety of flowers

• Floral foam

• 10 wooden skewers and a vase

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill the vase with floral foam and soak with water. 

2. Insert one wooden skewer into the stem of each artichoke. 

3. To arrange, first insert skewered artichokes into the floral foam. Then, fill gaps with greens and flowers. 

For more recipe inspiration visit Lauren Lane @Lauren_lane_culinarian, and visit LeAnn Parker @silvertoothhome for more DIY home decor and entertaining ideas.