Sweet and Savory Ideas for Brunch

Whether it is for relaxing with friends or discussing business plans, brunch is the exquisite mid day meal to get together and eat great food. Brunch is normally served between the primary hours of morning meal and lunch, and combines dishes from both of these meals. What a great way to have the best of both worlds, especially for those that are indecisive. Brunch is unique in the fact that both sweet and savory dishes can be served and eaten together or apart. However, if both types will be served, they should complement each other so that the meal does not turn into a collision of flavors.

A wide variety is always the best variety when serving food and drink for a brunch. In regards to the food, there are many choices like casseroles, quiches, muffins, waffles, fresh fruit, and of policy individual proteins. Savory dishes like casseroles and quiches are filled with meats, cheeses, and discrete veggies. A casserole base is made of an egg and milk blend which gives the dish a morning meal flavor. Quiches are slightly separate from casseroles because they typically have a crust like a pie, and they are traditionally made with only vegetables.

Meat Casseroles

When it comes to sweet ideas for a brunch, the dishes should be light and not overly sweet. If only serving sweet foods for a brunch, then they should not all be dessert like. Also, it is best to add fresh fruit to compliment all the carbohydrates like biscuits, tea sandwiches, or muffins. As for proteins, try serving nuts or peanut butter rather than sausage or bacon. A honey glazed ham is also an choice as well. Waffles and pancakes are a favorite favorite that can be partnered with fruit syrups or preserves.

Regardless if the dish is sweet or savory, look at the individual recipes to see what their bake or cook times are. Most dishes can be ready the night before and then cooked or warmed the morning of the brunch. However, dishes like scrambled eggs or pancakes will need to be made 30 minutes to 1 hour beforehand. Also, do not forget about drinks. Not every person drinks coffee and tea, so make sure there are other options ready like milk, juice, and water. Either set as a formal or casual get together, delicious food is the key to a successful brunch.

Sweet and Savory Ideas for Brunch

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Savory Casseroles For the Family

This article is going to list a few casserole recipes that I think any family can enjoy. Some people shudder at the word "casserole," however there are many great recipes that people simply aren't aware of! A casserole can be savory or sweet, crunch or soft. There are just so many great and unique combinations! Casseroles are a great way to use up extra food items in a way that will feed families big and small, with the potential for leftovers the next day! Plus, an easy casserole dish is just the ticket for busy moms and dads who simply can't spend hours cooking for a family!

Tuna Casserole

Meat Casseroles

1 (12 oz) package egg noodles
2 (6 oz) cans tuna, drained
2 (10 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups frozen green peas
10 slices American processed cheese
1 onion, chopped
ground black pepper to taste

In a large pot of boiling water, cook noodles and frozen peas until al dente, then drain. Pour the noodle and pea mixture back into the pot, then add the mushroom soup, onions, cheese, and tuna. Stir until well mixed, then serve.

Cabbage and Cheddar Casserole

4 1/2 cups shredded cabbage
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
2 1/2 cups roughly crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 cup milk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine the cornflakes and butter, then sprinkle half of the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Top with cabbage, onion, pepper, and salt. In a large bowl, mix together the soup, mayonnaise, and milk. Mix well, then spread over the top of the cabbage and onions. Sprinkle with cheese and the rest of the corn flakes. Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Barley, Carrot, and Celery Casserole

1 1/2 cups uncooked medium barley
2 finely chopped carrots
2 chopped celery stalks
4 1/2 cups chicken broth, divided
1/2 cup slivered almonds
7 green onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Sauté the celery, onions, carrots, and garlic with the butter in an ovenproof pan. Add barley, pepper, and salt, stirring well. Add 2 1/2 cups of broth. Cover with tin foil and bake for half an hour at 350 degrees F. Remove the tin foil and add the parsley, remaining broth, and almonds. Stir well. Bake WITHOUT the foil for 40 minutes (until barley has become tender).

Go ahead and whip up one of these terrific dishes. I think you'll find that even the toughest to please in your family will be impressed!

Savory Casseroles For the Family

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Maltese Recipes - Savory Baked Rice

Malta is an island nation comprising an archipelago of seven islands in the Mediterranean.  The national language is Maltese, a unique melding of Arabic and Sicilian/Italian, but English and Italian are spoken frequently.  Though small, Malta has a long and rich history, with evidence of habitation going back to the Neolithic era (4th millennium BC).  It boasts some of the world's most ancient standing buildings and megalithic temples.  It is one of the most Catholic nations in the world (98% of the population) and has the highest rate of church attendance in Europe.  Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and became a Republic 10 years later.  It joined the European Union in 2004. 

Maltese cuisine may not be as well known as other Mediterranean cuisines, but that doesn't mean it isn't just as delicious. Try this tasty rice recipe and see for yourself!

Ross-fil-forn

Savory baked rice

1/2 lb (1 cup) rice

2 eggs

1/2 cup lard or butter

1/2 lb ground beef or pork

3 tbsp tomato paste

Salt, pepper

4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Wash the rice thoroughly.  Brown the ground meat.  Dilute 3 tbsp of tomato paste with 2 tbsp hot water and add to meat.  Let simmer while you beat the eggs and grate the cheese.

Grease a casserole dish.  Mix rice with meat sauce, add the beaten eggs and mix in grated cheese.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Stir until rice is mixed in well. 

Add enough water to cover completely - stir again.  Bake in a 400 degree oven, stirring occasionally, until rice is a golden-brown.

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