Amaretto French Toast

This recipe was a friend's idea. I served her my Grand Marnier French Toast, which she loved. And then she suggested that I create a new version using Amaretto - her favorite liqueur - instead of the Grand Marnier.

We both enjoyed the result. I hope you will too.

RECIPE:

4 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup amaretto
Pinch of salt
6-8 slices bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, and then whisk in the milk, amaretto, and salt.

Add the bread slices to the bowl, toss so that each slice is covered with the custard mixture, and let it sit for several minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Heat the oil on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the coated bread slices on the griddle and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Top with powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired.

-- 3-4 servings (2 slices per serving)

Grand Mimosa

The popular Mimosa brunch cocktail takes on a fancier flair with the addition of a splash of Grand Marnier liqueur!

RECIPE:

Orange juice, chilled
Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
Grand Marnier

Pour the orange juice into a champagne flute until it is almost 1/2 full.

Add the champagne until almost full.

Top with a splash of Grand Marnier.

-- 1 serving

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Pitas with Zucchini, Peppers, and Feta

For this dish, I started with my recipe for Scrambled Egg Breakfast Pitas with Zucchini and Peppers and added some feta cheese for an extra flavor dimension. Yum!

They're great any time of day - for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

RECIPE:

6 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small zucchini (approx. 6 ounces), quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
1/2 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into julienne slices, and slices cut crosswise into thirds
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
2 large (6- or 7-inch) pitas (preferably whole wheat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, and milk, along with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and peppers, along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Saute until the vegetables are cooked through.

Add the egg mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until eggs are cooked through.

Meanwhile, cut the pitas in half crosswise, and toast them lightly in a dry skillet or grill pan over medium to medium-low heat.

Fill the toasted pitas evenly with the egg mixture. Top evenly with the feta, and serve.

-- 4 servings

Grand Marnier French Toast

This recipe was inspired by my friend Shirley, who suggested adding Grand Marnier orange-flavored liqueur to the custard mixture when making French Toast. So here is my version, which turned out great!

I like it with maple syrup; however, like most French Toast recipes, the topping possibilities are virtually unlimited.

RECIPE:

4 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
6-8 slices bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, and then whisk in the milk, Grand Marnier, sugar, vanilla, and salt.

Add the bread slices to the bowl, toss so that each slice is covered with the custard mixture, and let it sit for several minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Heat the oil on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the coated bread slices on the griddle and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Top with powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired.

-- 3-4 servings (2 slices per serving)

Roasted Asparagus and Hard-Boiled Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce

Asparagus is great with Hollandaise sauce. So are eggs (as in Eggs Benedict). Combined here, they make a fantastic brunch, lunch, or light supper entree.

RECIPE:

1 pound asparagus
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs, sliced
1 recipe Hollandaise Sauce
Paprika for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rinse the asparagus and break off the tough ends. (If you hold the asparagus spear at each end and bend it slightly, it will break at the right spot.) If using thicker spears, trim off the larger buds near the bottom of the stalk as desired.

Line up the asparagus spears in a single layer in a baking dish or pan.

Drizzle the asparagus lightly with the olive oil, turn to coat, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Roast for about 5-12 minutes, until the asparagus are tender when pierced with a fork, but still firm. The roasting time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus spears. For very thin asparagus, start checking them after about 4 minutes.

Divide the roasted asparagus spears evenly onto 4 individual serving plates. Top each portion with one sliced egg. Top with the Hollandaise sauce, sprinkle lightly with paprika, and serve.

-- 4 servings

Grapefruit Mimosa

For this variation on a classic Mimosa, I simply substituted grapefruit juice in place of the orange juice. It was a lovely change of pace.

RECIPE:

Grapefruit juice (white, pink, or ruby red), chilled*
Champagne or sparkling white wine, chilled

Pour the grapefruit juice into a champagne flute until it is 1/2 full.

Top with the champagne until full.

-- 1 serving

*Note: Use unsweetened grapefruit juice for a tart, natural flavor. For a sweeter and smoother mimosa, use sweetened juice or grapefruit juice cocktail.

Artichoke Omelette with Black Olives and Provolone

This recipe was inspired when my friend Sandi told me about an artichoke omelette with provolone that was very popular in a restaurant that her husband once owned.

Here, I created my own version, to which I added black olives for an extra flavor dimension. The result was delicious!

RECIPE:

1 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 or 2 whole canned artichoke hearts (depending on how much you like artichokes), rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon pitted sliced black olives
3 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1 tablespoon milk
Dash of salt (optional)
1 thin slice provolone cheese, at room temperature, torn into 6 or 8 pieces

Heat 1/2 teaspoon of the olive oil in a small skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add the artichokes and olives, and saute for 3-4 minutes, until they are heated through. Keep warm until ready to use.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk. Whisk in the dash of salt, if using. (Note: Go easy on the salt, as the artichokes and olives can be salty.)

In a separate 7- or 8-inch skillet, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium to medium-low heat. Add the egg mixture, and tilt the pan quickly to distribute the eggs evenly over the bottom of the skillet.

Using a flexible spatula, lift the edges of the omelette so that the uncooked egg can flow underneath. Continue until the eggs are set. To set the eggs more quickly once they are firm on the bottom, you can optionally flip the omelette by setting a dish over the skillet, turning it over quickly, and then sliding the omelette, cooked side up, back into the skillet.

Once the eggs have set, arrange the provolone pieces over one half of the omelette. Top with the artichoke-olive mixture. Fold the other half of the omelette over the fillings. Heat over low to medium-low heat for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt, and then serve immediately.

-- 1 or 2 servings

Eggs Baked in Muffin Tins

I always mess up poached eggs. They break up in the boiling water, no matter how careful I am. So I learned to bake my eggs instead, and I use these baked eggs as a substitute for poached eggs in many breakfast and brunch recipes. They always turn out perfect.

This is also a great way to cook eggs for a crowd.

I did not include quantities, as the recipe is so simple, and so easy to adapt to make as many, or as few, of these eggs as you need for a given meal.

The cooking time will vary, depending on whether you want the yolks soft or more firm.

RECIPE:

Butter, cooking oil, or non-stick spray
Large eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using the butter, oil, or cooking spray, lightly grease the muffin tins - one muffin cup per egg.

Carefully break one egg into each prepared muffin cup. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or longer as needed, until the yolks are cooked to your liking.

Eggs in Purgatory

When I was growing up, my Italian grandmother would frequently serve me these eggs cooked in marinara sauce, and it was one of my favorite ways to use up leftover sauce. I was also amused by the name.

This recipe is great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light supper. Serve it with our Garlic Toast or plain, hearty bread to soak up all the saucy goodness.

RECIPE:

2 cups Classic Marinara Sauce or your favorite plain red pasta sauce
4 eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
1/2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In a large skillet, simmer the marinara sauce over medium heat until well heated.

Gently and carefully crack the eggs into the skillet, spacing them evenly, with plenty of sauce on all sides. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to the desired stage.

Sprinkle with the parsley and/or cheese, if using.

-- 2 servings

Pear Bellini

A traditional Bellini is made with peach nectar and champagne or sparkling white wine.

Here, I substituted pear nectar, which I found next to the peach nectar in the Latin section of my supermarket. The result was just as delicious as the original - or maybe more so!

It's great for brunch or cocktail hour.

RECIPE:

Pear nectar, chilled
Champagne or sparkling white wine, chilled
Pear slice for garnish (optional)

Pour the pear nectar into a champagne flute until it is 1/2 full.

Top with the champagne until full.

Garnish with pear slice, if desired.

-- 1 serving

Vanilla-Cinnamon French Toast

This version of French Toast, featuring the comforting flavors of vanilla and cinnamon, will appeal to folks of all ages.

It's a delicous way to use up and revitalize day-old (or older) bread that is starting to go stale.

RECIPE:

4 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
6-8 slices bread
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk, and then whisk in the milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.

Add the bread slices to the bowl, toss so that each slice is covered with the custard mixture, and let it sit for several minutes so the bread can absorb the custard.

Heat the oil on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the coated bread slices on the griddle and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

Top with powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and/or other toppings, as desired.

-- 3-4 servings (2 slices per serving)

Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Peppers in Puff Pastry Shells

This gourmet egg dish is elegant and impressive, yet so easy to make.

Serve it with fresh fruit for a light breakfast, or pair it with a green salad, Roasted Potatoes and Onions, or other side veggies for a hearty brunch, lunch, or supper.

RECIPE:

6 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
2 tablespoons milk
Scant 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herb mixture
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups sliced white mushrooms
1/2 medium red or green bell pepper, seeded and cut lengthwise into julienne slices, and slices cut crosswise into thirds
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
6 frozen puff pastry shells (1 10-ounce package)

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and peppers, along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Saute until the vegetables are cooked through.

Add the egg mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until eggs are cooked through.

Meanwhile, bake the puff pastry shells according to the package directions.

Fill the puff pastry shells with the egg mixture, sprinkle with the parsley, and serve immediately.

-- 3 servings

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Pitas with Zucchini and Peppers

While great for breakfast or brunch, these egg and veggie pita sandwiches also work well for lunch or a light supper.

Serve alone, or add a salad for a satisfying, well balanced meal.

RECIPE:

6 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small zucchini (approx. 6 ounces), quartered lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
1/2 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut lengthwise into julienne slices, and slices cut crosswise into thirds
2 large (6- or 7-inch) pitas (preferably whole wheat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, and milk, along with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and peppers, along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Saute until the vegetables are cooked through.

Add the egg mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until eggs are cooked through.

Meanwhile, cut the pitas in half crosswise, and toast them lightly in a dry skillet or grill pan over medium to medium-low heat.

Fill the toasted pitas evenly with the egg mixture, and serve.

-- 4 servings

Strawberry-Apricot Fruit Salad with Mimosa Dressing

This recipe came about by accident. At a weekend brunch, I was eating some fresh sliced strawberries and apricots and drinking a Mimosa. I dipped the fruit into the Mimosa and this recipe idea was born. I realized that a Mimosa would make a fine dressing for a spring fruit salad.

Upon further experimentation, I discovered that marinating the fruit in the orange juice for a while before adding the champagne infuses the fruit with a bit of the orange flavor, which was nice.

This is an adult fruit salad, because of the champagne. There is also no added sweetener, allowing the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the fruit to shine through. However, you can add a bit of sugar or honey if you wish.

RECIPE:

1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
4 or 5 fresh apricots, pitted and sliced
1 or 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced (optional)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup champagne or sparkling white wine

Combine the cut-up strawberries and apricots in a large bowl, along with the kiwi, if using.

Pour the orange juice over the fruit, and toss gently. Refrigerate for at least one hour, tossing occasionally.

Just before serving, pour the champagne over the fruit mixture. Toss gently and serve.

-- 4 servings

Mother's Day Brunch Menu: Spinach and Feta Quiche with all the trimmings

Here are some ideas for a lovely Mediterranean-style brunch menu. Customize the menu to fit your tastes, and enjoy!

Note that you can bake the quiche a day in advance, and then just reheat it in the oven for 20-25 minutes while the potatoes are roasting. If you do this, cover the quiche with foil during reheating so that the crust doesn't burn. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

• Spinach and Feta Quiche

• Roasted Potatoes with Kalamata Olives

• Assorted fresh fruit

• Dates Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Almonds

• Assorted breads/rolls - savory and/or sweet

• Mimosa or Bellini cocktails

• Plain orange juice and/or other fruit juice(s)

• Coffee and tea

           

Bellini

This is a delicious and easy cocktail for brunches and special occasions - or anytime!

Some people make it from scratch using pureed fresh peaches. When I was in bartending school, I learned this shortcut, using peach nectar. Peach nectar is available in most large supermarkets. If you can't find it in the fruit juice aisle or the cocktail-mixer aisle, try the Latin section. That's where it's located in my primary grocery store. It's also available at Amazon.com.

RECIPE:

Peach nectar, chilled
Champagne or sparkling white wine, chilled

Pour the peach nectar into a champagne flute until it is 1/2 full.

Top with the champagne until full.

-- 1 serving

Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

The Easter holiday is just around the corner, and so a couple of people have asked me how to make the perfect hard-boiled egg.

Below is my recipe, which has evolved through the years. Legend has it that adding some salt to the water makes the eggs easier to peel, and might also help prevent cracking during cooking. I haven't been able to back up those claims with scientific evidence, but it seems to work pretty well.

RECIPE:

6 eggs
Water
1 teaspoon salt

Place your eggs in a heavy saucepan and add enough cold water to completely cover the eggs by an inch or two. Add the salt to the water.

Slowly bring the water and eggs to a boil over medium-high heat. When the water comes to a full, rolling boil, remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on the size of the eggs. (20 to 21 minutes is usually perfect for standard large eggs.)

Drain, and then rinse the eggs in cold water to stop the cooking process.

-- 6 servings

Mimosa

This classic brunch cocktail is so easy to make, yet so delicious and elegant. Here is how I was taught to make it in bartending school many years ago.

Quantities are not included, as they will depend on the size of your champagne flute. However, the recipe is simple: Equal parts orange juice and champagne.

RECIPE:

Orange juice, chilled
Champagne or sparkling white wine, chilled

Pour the orange juice into a champagne flute until it is 1/2 full.

Top with the champagne until full.

-- 1 serving

Spinach and Feta Quiche

Spinach and feta are such a great combination, and they work well in this quiche.

It makes a great centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Add some fresh fruit or a salad, and maybe some rolls or muffins, for a light and nutritious meal.

RECIPE:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced yellow onion
8 ounces fresh spinach
6 large eggs, or equivalent in egg substitute
1/2 cup half and half *
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust, partially thawed if frozen

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the tougher stems from the spinach and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion, and saute for 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add the spinach, along with salt and pepper to taste, and saute over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and use paper towels to gently squeeze any excess liquid from the spinach mixture. Set the drained spinach mixture aside.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the eggs slightly and then whisk in the half and half. Fold in the feta and the Parmesan.

Add the spinach mixture, and stir to combine.

Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust.

Bake for 40 minutes to one hour, or longer as needed, until set in the center. If the crust starts to get too brown, wrap just the crust in some aluminum foil to keep it from burning.

Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing

-- 4-6 servings

* Note: If half and half is not available, you can substitute 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream plus 1/4 cup whole milk.

Roasted Potatoes, Bell Peppers, and Onions

Here I started with our basic recipe for Roasted Potatoes and Onions and kicked it up a notch by adding chunks of red bell pepper.

It's a tasty and healthy side dish that works equally well with breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

RECIPE:

1 to 1 1/2 pound red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small or medium yellow onion, cut vertically into 6 or 8 wedges, depending on size
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes, pepper pieces, and onion wedges with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use only enough olive oil to lightly coat all of the vegetables.

Arrange the coated vegetables in a single layer in a deep baking dish or roasting pan.

Cover with foil, and roast for 15 minutes. Uncover and stir.

Return to oven and roast uncovered, stirring occasionally, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and golden.

Sprinkle with the parsley (if using), and serve.

-- 3-6 servings