Combination breakfast and lunch; usually served in late morning. This is a meal in which it
originated in North America and it is a combination of breakfast and
lunch. This type of meal is very commonly eaten on Sundays and Holidays,
when parents, children and sometimes friends gather around the table in a
relaxed atmosphere between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The menu often combines
traditional English breakfast items with those of a cold meal: cereals,
bacon and fried or scrambled eggs, salads or fruit and green vegetables,
pancakes with jam or maple syrup, fruit juices, tea and coffee. Pies and
cold meats may also be served. There is often a home made fruit loaf
(called a "coffeecake"), corn bread, or French toast (slices of bread
dipped in beaten egg, then fried and sugared). Brunch is still quite rare
in France, but some hotel restaurants in Paris offer it to their customers
on Sunday mornings. though brunch is thought of as an american
tradition, H.L. Mencken tells us that it was popular in England around
1900...long before it reached the United States.
Whether it's a weekly family occasion or a special get together with friends, there are so many food options. The basics are great weekend fare - bacon and eggs, French toast, pancakes, waffles. Dress up your pancakes or waffles with some fresh fruit for a delicious presentation. For bigger brunch get togethers you can serve some savory dishes along with some pastries. Here are some of my favorite brunch dishes, which are great on their own or as part of a brunch buffet.
