Once the big day is over, a nice way to relax with family and friends is to host a Boxing Day brunch (especially if you weren’t elected to cook Christmas dinner this year).
Tell everyone to wear their comfy clothes (think stretchy pants) and join you for a delicious buffet of easy-to-make dishes that won’t trap you in the kitchen for hours.
I’d suggest adding some savoury grilled sausages and/or crisp bacon to the menu along with a platter of fresh fruit (even just a bowl of clementines) and, of course, lots of really good coffee.
Orange J Shake
12 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice (or any 100 per cent pure orange juice, preferably with some pulp)
12 ounces ice-cold water
6 ounces simple syrup (see instructions below)
2 cups crushed ice
2 heaped teaspoons vanilla instant pudding powder
To make simple syrup, bring three-quarters of a cup of water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in 1½ cups of granulated sugar. Lower heat and stir until sugar has completely dissolved. Allow to cool completely and store in refrigerator. (This makes more than you’ll need for this recipe but it keeps for a long time). Combine all recipe ingredients in a blender and process on high until ice is completely incorporated. Makes six servings.
Asparagus, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Breakfast Casserole
1 lb fresh asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into one-inch pieces
1 lb fresh mushrooms (preferably brown crimini), wiped clean and sliced
2 tsp butter, plus extra for greasing pan
2 tsp olive oil
6 oz goat cheese (the type that comes in a log), cut into very thin slices or crumbled
12 eggs
2 Tbsp light cream
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salsa and sour cream to serve with casserole (optional)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously grease the bottom and sides of a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with butter. In a large sauté pan heat the two teaspoons each of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat; add the asparagus and sauté for four to five minutes, until just barely tender. With a slotted spoon remove asparagus from skillet and spread in an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish. Add the mushrooms to the skillet (use a bit more oil if needed); sauté until golden brown and all liquid has evaporated, about five to seven minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer cooked mushrooms to a baking dish, spreading them evenly over the asparagus. Distribute the goat cheese evenly over the mushrooms.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream and black pepper until thoroughly mixed. Pour egg mixture gently and evenly over the vegetables and cheese in the baking dish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until eggs are well set, cheese has melted and the casserole is barely golden brown. Cut into squares and serve warm with salsa and sour cream, if desired. Makes eight generous servings.
Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Muffins
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1½ tsp cinnamon
2⁄3 cup granulated sugar
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup homogenized milk
1 large egg
1 tsp finely grated orange zest
1 cup coarsely chopped peeled apple, tossed with 1 tsp flour to coat
½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
3 Tbsp turbinado sugar (“sugar in the raw”)
Preheat oven to 375° F and line 12 muffin cups with paper liners. In a medium bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in the sugar. In a large bowl whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg and orange zest until well combined.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently stir in the apples and cranberries. Spoon the batter into muffin cups and sprinkle some turbinado sugar over each one. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of a muffin comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Cool muffins in the pan for a few minutes; serve warm or transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (to reheat muffins, wrap them in heavy foil and place in a 300° F oven for 10 to 15 minutes). Makes 12 muffins.
Angela Shellard is a self-described foodie. She has done informal catering for various functions. Contact: [email protected].
