...In my natural habitat!

Yes, I have to admit I am such a brunch junkie. It is so at the absolute top of my weekend plans and favourite weekend meal – especially on a bright sunny summer Sunday. Perfect as you can still lie in until about 8am and finish the event by about (well usually 3pm at my house – which is possibly far to late)…. but you still can push everyone out the door and enjoy the rest of your day

The joy of a lazy Sunday morning brunch table is so much pleasure to me – I look forward and plan brunch with family and close friends as often as my schedule allows. The idea for me is to prepare as much as I can, so you spend as little time as you can away from your guests. Nothing is worse than being stuck in the kitchen and listening to the laughter and conversation while you slave away.

My Family

What to cook? –for me brunch always begins with the freshest freshly squeezed juice followed by all the fruits in season and then a big cook up! But this doesn’t need to be a high fat cook up infact this last brunch was actually

planned for friends who are officially on ‘a diet’ …. For those who know me this is a sentence I really do not like. ‘Diets’ – I believe are dreadful

things– the old ‘everything’ in moderation is the plan in our house. But I did lean down and choose wholemeal sour dough, good yoghurt which I strained over night so it was superbly thick and delicious and lean smoked bacon cooked without any extra fats and oils.

All set out... ready to go!

A little preparation is needed so here is the list for success:

• Plan the meal using fresh ingredients and seasonal favourites. I buy the best fruit I can find, gorgeous organic eggs and double smoked hand cut bacon – simple but with fabulous flavour. …..For best results always cook a dish you feel relaxed with – don’t add pressure and try something new!
• Add a little extra touch such  like a special flavouring or spice to add that glamour to on old favourite – (see menu below)
• Make a special visit to your favourite market and choose the best – for me this is a trip to Sth Melbourne market. But it could simply be a good local supermarket. But be fussy with the items and quality…..
• Write out the menu (so you are clear with what you need to do) and write a list which you can tick off.
• Get a little organised the night before – such as setting the table, arranging any fresh flowers and selecting your favourite music ready to go.

Lucy on Juice Detail!

The morning of:

• Enlist the help of family (my children are great at helping)
• Arrange the kitchen into designated work areas.
• Begin any food preparation early and pop back into the fridge
• Stay tidy and clean as you go – don’t be left with a 3 hour clean up
• If your friends offer to help stack, clear the table or stack the dishwasher always say yes – people feel good about contributing

My lazy menu

Fruit Salad

Freshly squeezed orange juice with orange blossom water

(Organic) chunky fruit salad

with a lime & rose water drizzled syrup with thick strained organic cinnamon yoghurt

‘French’ toast with char grilled bacon or banana slices & good maple syrup

Fabulous coffee (served how you like it) and plenty of chilled filtered water.

French Toast