(ARA) - Holiday meals are special times to bring the family together and entertain loved ones. While entertaining during the holidays is enjoyable, it requires meal planning and a lot of time in the kitchen - especially when hosting a large group. Serving brunch is a perfect way to create an elegant meal with ease. Adding slight touches to typical brunch dishes can turn a usual weekend occurrence into a special holiday meal.
For example, instead of omelets, make frittatas. Instead of bacon make praline bacon, or prepare latkes in place of breakfast potatoes. Little twists like these are creative ways to tell your guests that they are attending a special meal for a holiday occasion. "Entertaining holiday guests with brunch is a great way to prepare a meal that really impresses your guests, without spending all day in the kitchen," says celebrity chef Michael Symon. "And since there isn't a 'traditional' holiday brunch menu, you can be super creative." Preparation of these more unique dishes is easier than you may think.
The right equipment is crucial to a successful, stress-free brunch. The Calphalon Unison Nonstick Frittata Pans are an easy-to-use nonstick cookware set that can help execute that delectable Baked Polish Frittata. The two nonstick pans' handles interlock and clamp together so you can flip frittatas on the stovetop. The Calphalon Unison Frittata Pan is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, for adding that crispy finish to egg dishes in the oven. And, it is also dishwasher-safe, so clean-up for your holiday brunch will be a breeze.
If you are cooking for a sizeable crowd, you may want to invest in a nonstick griddle that fits over two burners so you can prepare several dishes all at once. Look for a nonstick griddle with a removable rack so you have the option of roasting foods as well as making delicate dishes like eggs and pancakes. And if you're craving a menu with extra fun and distinction, consider a kabob grill pan that spans two burners and features removable skewers. A grilled feast of fruit and breakfast meat kabobs will certainly make an impression.
"Holiday visits and meals are awesome opportunities to build memories," Symon says. "And it's important to treat your guests well by serving dishes made with useful cookware for a holiday brunch they'll never forget."
To create Michael Symon's unique frittata, follow his recipe for baked Polish frittata:
Baked Polish Frittata
Ingredients:
1 bunch scallions, sliced
1 clove minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons rye flour
1 1/2 ounces milk
2/3 cup sour cream
4 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons melted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked chopped spinach
2 red peppers, diced small
6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Saute scallions and garlic in oil and place on the bottom of an oiled Calphalon Unison Frittata Pan. In a mixing bowl, mix flour, milk, sour cream, eggs, herbs, butter and seasoning. Add vegetables to the scallions and garlic in the frittata pan. Pour the egg mixture on top and cover with crumbled feta. Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
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Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Entertain At Home, Inexpensively--Bring An Easy Cobb Scramble To Brunch
(NAPSI)-Going out is out, eating in is in. Home entertaining has become big again, as folks look for an economical way to gather friends and family together but still stay within a budget. This easy meal in a skillet is just right for any brunch occasion--pregame, lazy Sunday or "just let's get together"--or for a weekend breakfast or weekday supper.
The cook gets a break because this unique dish is as simple as scrambled eggs plus the traditional Cobb salad ingredients: avocados, chicken or turkey, bacon, blue cheese and some green onion. Serve the scramble right from the skillet, pass whole grain rolls or crisp French bread and add a side of seasonal fruit such as apples or citrus.
This winter there's a bumper crop of beautiful Hass Avocados from Chile. The seasons down there are just the reverse of ours, so Hass Avocados from Chile complement the California supply. Use leftover chicken or turkey and select less expensive blue cheese crumbles and you'll have an impressive main dish. The food cost is low and so is the calorie count--less than 250 per serving!
Avocados are more than just pretty and tasty--they provide nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, including phytonutrients thought to help prevent many chronic diseases, and all for just 50 calories in a 1-ounce serving. They have no sodium and no cholesterol. A 1-ounce serving of avocados contains MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids)--the "good" fats.
For other eating-in events, consider a fruit plate of citrus and avocado slices sprinkled with some fresh mint, or Hass avocado slices atop a frittata, in a club sandwich, on a burger or even scattered over a hot dog--a Chilean favorite.
For plenty of great recipes, visit www.chileanavocados.org.
COBB SCRAMBLE
Makes 4 servings
All the great flavors of the famous Cobb salad--turkey, bacon, blue cheese and, of course, avocado--in an easy, easy skillet breakfast, brunch or supper. Complete the quick-to-make meal with a fruit salad and you're done.
1 Hass Avocado from Chile
6 eggs OR 1½ cups egg substitute
½ cup chopped turkey or chicken
2 slices turkey bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
Rinse avocado and cut in half. Spoon out pit. Spoon out flesh and cut into chunks. In medium bowl, beat eggs. Stir in avocado, turkey, bacon, blue cheese and onions.
Heat nonstick skillet sprayed with pan coating over medium-high heat. Add egg-avocado mixture and scramble, stirring occasionally, until eggs are set but still moist.
Or, scramble eggs and then top with avocado, turkey, bacon, blue cheese and onions.
Nutritional information per serving--calories 243, fat 17g, monounsaturated fat 7.8g, saturated fat 5g, protein 19g, carbohydrates 5g, cholesterol 345mg, sodium 327mg, fiber 1.4g.
With egg substitute: calories 183, fat 11.5g, monounsaturated fat 5.74g, saturated fat 3.27g, protein 17g, carbohydrates 4.5g, cholesterol 25mg, sodium 328mg, fiber 1.4g.
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The cook gets a break because this unique dish is as simple as scrambled eggs plus the traditional Cobb salad ingredients: avocados, chicken or turkey, bacon, blue cheese and some green onion. Serve the scramble right from the skillet, pass whole grain rolls or crisp French bread and add a side of seasonal fruit such as apples or citrus.
This winter there's a bumper crop of beautiful Hass Avocados from Chile. The seasons down there are just the reverse of ours, so Hass Avocados from Chile complement the California supply. Use leftover chicken or turkey and select less expensive blue cheese crumbles and you'll have an impressive main dish. The food cost is low and so is the calorie count--less than 250 per serving!
Avocados are more than just pretty and tasty--they provide nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, including phytonutrients thought to help prevent many chronic diseases, and all for just 50 calories in a 1-ounce serving. They have no sodium and no cholesterol. A 1-ounce serving of avocados contains MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids)--the "good" fats.
For other eating-in events, consider a fruit plate of citrus and avocado slices sprinkled with some fresh mint, or Hass avocado slices atop a frittata, in a club sandwich, on a burger or even scattered over a hot dog--a Chilean favorite.
For plenty of great recipes, visit www.chileanavocados.org.
COBB SCRAMBLE
Makes 4 servings
All the great flavors of the famous Cobb salad--turkey, bacon, blue cheese and, of course, avocado--in an easy, easy skillet breakfast, brunch or supper. Complete the quick-to-make meal with a fruit salad and you're done.
1 Hass Avocado from Chile
6 eggs OR 1½ cups egg substitute
½ cup chopped turkey or chicken
2 slices turkey bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
Rinse avocado and cut in half. Spoon out pit. Spoon out flesh and cut into chunks. In medium bowl, beat eggs. Stir in avocado, turkey, bacon, blue cheese and onions.
Heat nonstick skillet sprayed with pan coating over medium-high heat. Add egg-avocado mixture and scramble, stirring occasionally, until eggs are set but still moist.
Or, scramble eggs and then top with avocado, turkey, bacon, blue cheese and onions.
Nutritional information per serving--calories 243, fat 17g, monounsaturated fat 7.8g, saturated fat 5g, protein 19g, carbohydrates 5g, cholesterol 345mg, sodium 327mg, fiber 1.4g.
With egg substitute: calories 183, fat 11.5g, monounsaturated fat 5.74g, saturated fat 3.27g, protein 17g, carbohydrates 4.5g, cholesterol 25mg, sodium 328mg, fiber 1.4g.
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Sunnier Side Of Breakfast
(NAPSI)-It's been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In addition to providing the necessary energy to get up and go, studies have shown that those who eat a healthy breakfast have better overall diets, improved concentration and performance during the day, and more strength and endurance for physical activity. Unfortunately, the traditional hot breakfast--eggs, meat and potatoes--can add fat and calories to your plate. But there's good news for breakfast lovers who've resolved to eat better this year: With a few simple substitutions, you can still enjoy a hearty, satisfying morning meal without some of the guilt.
Here are a few tips for remaking the traditional breakfast:
• If your morning beverage of choice is coffee with cream and sugar, try using skim milk and a sugar substitute instead.
• A side of fresh fruit can be an easy way to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables--and add a smidgen of something sweet to your plate.
• Toss a few vegetables into your eggs for added fiber and flavor.
• Substitute your breakfast meat with the new Morningstar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties. These maple-flavored veggie sausage patties are a sweet-and-savory alternative to traditional precooked pork sausage, with 76 percent less fat. You can enjoy them alongside a serving of eggs or crumbled into any recipe that calls for maple-flavored sausage. In fact, they're the main ingredient in this Easy Brunch Focaccia recipe--a delicious "breakfast pizza" that will have everyone around the table saying, "That's amore!"
Easy Brunch Focaccia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Time to Table: 35 minutes
Ingredients
4 Morningstar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties, thawed
1 tube (13.8 oz.) refrigerated pizza dough
¾ cup finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or 1 can (8 oz.) pineapple tidbits (juice pack), drained
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese or Cheddar cheese
Directions
Cut the Morningstar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties into bite-size pieces. Set aside. Unroll dough onto baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Press dough into 14 x 10-inch rectangle.
In small nonstick skillet, cook onion in oil over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in sage and pepper. Spread over dough. Arrange veggie patty pieces and pineapple on top of onion mixture. Bake at 425° F for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are brown.
Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 425° F for 5 to 6 minutes more or until cheese melts and crust is golden brown. Cut into rectangles to serve. Serve warm.
Yield: 6 servings
For more quick recipes and fun food ideas, visit www.SeeVeggiesDifferently.com.
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Here are a few tips for remaking the traditional breakfast:
• If your morning beverage of choice is coffee with cream and sugar, try using skim milk and a sugar substitute instead.
• A side of fresh fruit can be an easy way to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables--and add a smidgen of something sweet to your plate.
• Toss a few vegetables into your eggs for added fiber and flavor.
• Substitute your breakfast meat with the new Morningstar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties. These maple-flavored veggie sausage patties are a sweet-and-savory alternative to traditional precooked pork sausage, with 76 percent less fat. You can enjoy them alongside a serving of eggs or crumbled into any recipe that calls for maple-flavored sausage. In fact, they're the main ingredient in this Easy Brunch Focaccia recipe--a delicious "breakfast pizza" that will have everyone around the table saying, "That's amore!"
Easy Brunch Focaccia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Time to Table: 35 minutes
Ingredients
4 Morningstar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties, thawed
1 tube (13.8 oz.) refrigerated pizza dough
¾ cup finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or 1 can (8 oz.) pineapple tidbits (juice pack), drained
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese or Cheddar cheese
Directions
Cut the Morningstar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties into bite-size pieces. Set aside. Unroll dough onto baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Press dough into 14 x 10-inch rectangle.
In small nonstick skillet, cook onion in oil over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until tender and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in sage and pepper. Spread over dough. Arrange veggie patty pieces and pineapple on top of onion mixture. Bake at 425° F for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are brown.
Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 425° F for 5 to 6 minutes more or until cheese melts and crust is golden brown. Cut into rectangles to serve. Serve warm.
Yield: 6 servings
For more quick recipes and fun food ideas, visit www.SeeVeggiesDifferently.com.
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Saturday, January 12, 2008
J. Christopher's when you're in the mood for something different!
If you're looking for a great breakfast or lunch then zip on over to Westpark Walk in Peachtree City and grab a booth or table at J. Christopher's.
Everything from the coffee to omelettes to the soups and sandwiches are a step outside (and above) the norm.
Coffee... European Gourmet, Cafe Mocha, Cappuccino, Espresso...
Lighter fare includes tempting treats like:
Blueberry Scones ($1.79) - These are absolutely yummy! A nice soft triangle of blueberry bread topped with more blueberries. If you love blueberries you'll love this treat. Great for a mid-morning break.
Breakfast Parfait ($4.79) - fat-free yogurt, honey almond granola, strawberries and blueberries with whip cream!
Irish oatmeal, cinnamon rolls, bagels & lox, an assortment of bagels and more. Try the Lo-Carb Platter ($6.89), the South Beach ($6.89), a Sunrise Quesadilla (smoked turkey, bacon bits and Monterrey jack stuffed in a flour tortilla, grilled and then topped with pico de gallo) or the Atkin's Diet Substitute. Still thinking about those blueberries? Try the Berry Crepes!
Lest you think all of the treats are light we'll move onto the The Griddle! Blueberry Crunchcakes (yes, J. Christopher's is a blueberry lover's heaven), Chocolate Chipcakes ($6.79), Maple Toast ($5.79) and Strawberry Toast (maple toast crusted with granola and topped with sweet strawberry compote) are a few of the items I love to watch other's eat while I'm checking out one of the Skillets, Omelettes or Morning Stars! I have to admit that I'm prone to sneaking a bite from my husbands plate while he's not looking.
One of my favorite omelets is the Goddess ($7.59) as I'm always watching my figure. It is an eggwhite omelet with diced tomato, spinach and feta cheese. Another favorite is the Popeye, which comes stuffed with spinach, bacon, krabmeat, mushrooms and cream cheese. I have them hold the bacon.
Omelets are served with roasted potatoes or grits, fruit and an English muffin.
Here's a few other tempting items from the menu: Bleu Bacon Burger, Turkey Dijon BLT, Sante Fe Grille (blackened chicken sandwich all soothed with ranch dressing and avocado), Salmon Salad, Mandarin Chicken Salad and the Patty Melt.
I haven't tried any of their soups yet, but based on the quality of everything else I've tried, they have to be excellent.
The seasonal favorite list makes my mouth water! Fried Green Benedict, Pumpkin Pancakes, Gingerbread Waffle, Chocolate Crepe, Italian Omelette, Caramel French Toast... it is a long, tempting list! I'm going to have to find out when they plan to have the Kahlua Waffle on the day's specials, hips be darned I'm trying that one.
Even the kids (10 & under) can have some fun with their food choices. What child wouldn't want to try Dinosaur Eggs? Just in case they're not up for eggs the menu includes pancakes (chocolate chip or blueberry), french toast, waffles, grilled cheese and chicken fingers. Included in the price ($4,79) are fresh fruit and a beverage.
If you're used to IHOP prices and volume then you might be a tad disappointed in J. Christopher's. I've never heard, or had, anyone complain about a lack of food, but for those who like quantity over quality this might not be on your list of regular stops.
Due to the wide open space the noise levels can get a bit high at times. It's not overwhelming but this isn't meant to be the place you go for a romantic dinner. In fact, they're only open for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
We give J. Christopher's a Fayette High Five!
There are 13 J. Christopher's in the Atlanta area. I'll be looking for other locations as I travel around the city!
J. Christopher's
Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch
264 Commerce Dr.
Westpark Walk
Peachtree City
678-216-1010
Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 2 pm.
www.jchristophers.com
Everything from the coffee to omelettes to the soups and sandwiches are a step outside (and above) the norm.
Coffee... European Gourmet, Cafe Mocha, Cappuccino, Espresso...
Lighter fare includes tempting treats like:
Blueberry Scones ($1.79) - These are absolutely yummy! A nice soft triangle of blueberry bread topped with more blueberries. If you love blueberries you'll love this treat. Great for a mid-morning break.
Breakfast Parfait ($4.79) - fat-free yogurt, honey almond granola, strawberries and blueberries with whip cream!
Irish oatmeal, cinnamon rolls, bagels & lox, an assortment of bagels and more. Try the Lo-Carb Platter ($6.89), the South Beach ($6.89), a Sunrise Quesadilla (smoked turkey, bacon bits and Monterrey jack stuffed in a flour tortilla, grilled and then topped with pico de gallo) or the Atkin's Diet Substitute. Still thinking about those blueberries? Try the Berry Crepes!
Lest you think all of the treats are light we'll move onto the The Griddle! Blueberry Crunchcakes (yes, J. Christopher's is a blueberry lover's heaven), Chocolate Chipcakes ($6.79), Maple Toast ($5.79) and Strawberry Toast (maple toast crusted with granola and topped with sweet strawberry compote) are a few of the items I love to watch other's eat while I'm checking out one of the Skillets, Omelettes or Morning Stars! I have to admit that I'm prone to sneaking a bite from my husbands plate while he's not looking.
One of my favorite omelets is the Goddess ($7.59) as I'm always watching my figure. It is an eggwhite omelet with diced tomato, spinach and feta cheese. Another favorite is the Popeye, which comes stuffed with spinach, bacon, krabmeat, mushrooms and cream cheese. I have them hold the bacon.
Omelets are served with roasted potatoes or grits, fruit and an English muffin.
Here's a few other tempting items from the menu: Bleu Bacon Burger, Turkey Dijon BLT, Sante Fe Grille (blackened chicken sandwich all soothed with ranch dressing and avocado), Salmon Salad, Mandarin Chicken Salad and the Patty Melt.
I haven't tried any of their soups yet, but based on the quality of everything else I've tried, they have to be excellent.
The seasonal favorite list makes my mouth water! Fried Green Benedict, Pumpkin Pancakes, Gingerbread Waffle, Chocolate Crepe, Italian Omelette, Caramel French Toast... it is a long, tempting list! I'm going to have to find out when they plan to have the Kahlua Waffle on the day's specials, hips be darned I'm trying that one.
Even the kids (10 & under) can have some fun with their food choices. What child wouldn't want to try Dinosaur Eggs? Just in case they're not up for eggs the menu includes pancakes (chocolate chip or blueberry), french toast, waffles, grilled cheese and chicken fingers. Included in the price ($4,79) are fresh fruit and a beverage.
If you're used to IHOP prices and volume then you might be a tad disappointed in J. Christopher's. I've never heard, or had, anyone complain about a lack of food, but for those who like quantity over quality this might not be on your list of regular stops.
Due to the wide open space the noise levels can get a bit high at times. It's not overwhelming but this isn't meant to be the place you go for a romantic dinner. In fact, they're only open for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
We give J. Christopher's a Fayette High Five!
There are 13 J. Christopher's in the Atlanta area. I'll be looking for other locations as I travel around the city!
J. Christopher's
Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch
264 Commerce Dr.
Westpark Walk
Peachtree City
678-216-1010
Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 2 pm.
www.jchristophers.com
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