May is the perfect time to gather with friends and family to enjoy good food, drinks and company. Lauren Lane Culinarian (@Lauren_lane_culinarian) is sharing a few of her go-to brunch recipes perfect for entertaining. But don't worry, we have great ideas for how you can make take-out something special. Looking to go out? We have suggestions for great dining out right here in Ahwatukee.
Spring Greens
ingredients:
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1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
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1/2 cup olive oil
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Kosher salt and ground black pepper
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2 tsp of honey
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4 oz spring greens, baby arugula or butter lettuce
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1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
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1 cup fresh fava beans, shelled, blanched and peeled, or frozen lima beans, thawed
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4-6 radishes very thinly sliced
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6-8 stalks of roasted asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces
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4 oz soft goat cheese or feta
directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and honey.
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Place the lettuce in a separate bowl and toss it with enough vinaigrette to just moisten.
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Put the lettuce on a serving platter or bowl, and arrange the rest of the ingredients on top.
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Drizzle with additional vinaigrette, if desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Add spring peas, artichokes, sliced avocado or cucumbers as an option.
Strawberry Bruschetta
ingredients:
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1 lb strawberries, washed and sliced
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1 Tbsp sugar
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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Kosher salt
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1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 12 slices
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1 cup goat or mascarpone cheese, room temperature
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2 tsp fresh thyme, basil or mint leaves
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Good balsamic or balsamic glaze
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Salt and ground pepper to taste
directions:
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Combine strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
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Brush bread with olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt.
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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.
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Spread cheese on toasted bread. Add a pinch of black pepper, salt and herbs to the strawberry mixture. 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.
Spring Quiche
ingredients:
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1 pie dough
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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2 cups mixed veggies, such as raw spinach leaves and cooked broccoli and asparagus
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7 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 1/4 cups light cream
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1 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp kosher salt
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1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
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3/4 cup grated gruyere or white cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and press it into shape. Crimp the edges if desired.
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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.
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In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cream, herbs, nutmeg, salt and pepper in a large bowl and lightly whisk.
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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.
Elevate Take Out
If you’re not up for cooking, you can elevate take-out. Transfer take-out food to plates to make it more inviting. You might also consider creating a fun experience, such as a bagel bar. This is great when you have friends and family attending. Purchase an assortment of bagels and put them out on cake platters or other decorative dishes. Add a variety of toppings, including different cream cheeses, smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, capers and some fresh dill sprigs.
Wicked Fun Brunch
Wicked Brews, Bites and Spirits, locally owned by an Ahwatukee family, is located at 50th and Ray. Opened during the pandemic in November 2020, it focuses on craft food, specialty cocktails and beer. Wicked’s patio is dog- and kid-friendly. Brunch is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every weekend, with live music on Sundays. There is also happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. See why Wicked is the Best Place to Grab a Cocktail in Ahwatukee. Wicked-BBS.com
Va Bene Romantic Italian
Va Bene Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is an upscale, family-owned Italian restaurant and lounge with live music every Friday and Saturday night. This local Ahwatukee white tablecloth venue specializes in scratch Italian cuisine, martinis, wine and craft cocktails. The wine list includes domestic favorites along with a selection of Italian reds and whites. Located at 4647 E. Chandler Blvd, it features happy hour daily from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday and Monday from 4 p.m. to close. VaBeneAZ.com