Getting together with friends doesn’t have to be stressful. Do you have those friends that you can never find a time that works for lunch or dinner? No worries! Spread your wings and shake it up a bit. Almost everyone is free for breakfast or brunch on the weekend. Breakfast is easy to prepare, tasty and a wonderful way to enjoy these weekends that are starting to be filled with sunshine.
One of my favorite brunch menus is so easy peasy that it is almost embarrassing. Make Orange Honey Fruit Parfaits, Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins and baked, crisp peppered bacon. The muffins can be prepared the day before and warmed in the oven just before serving. The parfaits go together lickety split and can be made an hour or so before your friends arrive. You will definitely want to bake the bacon so there is no messy stovetop to clean up and the bacon will be perfect. The smell alone will welcome everyone into your home.
Fage yogurt is my go to yogurt. Where else can you get 23 grams of protein in a cup of yogurt? That works perfectly into any meal. You can always make your own granola and keep it in the freezer for quick breakfast meals. Here is one of my favorite recipes. If you don’t have time to make your own, give yourself permission to purchase granola. There are so many great granolas to choose from. I adore the granola that Whole Foods packages in clear containers. You may need to ask where they keep it as it is usually hard to find but worth the search. I especially like Cherry Almond or Blueberry Almond.
To bake bacon with no fuss, line a half sheet pan with foil. Layer bacon on the sheet pan in a single layer and place in a 375º oven. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until the desired doneness is reached. Keep your eyes on it so it doesn’t get too crisp. This is the best way ever to serve bacon.
True confession, we just scheduled a breakfast date for three couples to meet and catch up. This is way overdue. We were going to gather at a favorite restaurant but I want to make sure that everyone can hear the conversation, relax, enjoy each other’s company and linger over steaming coffee. Note to self-send that text inviting everyone over. Now it’s your turn, who do you need to catch up with and create memories that last forever?
Orange Honey Fruit Parfaits
1 cup Fage Total 2% plain yogurt
1 to 2 tablespoons honey
3 to 5 tablespoons orange juice
2/3 to 1 cup granola
1 to 2 cups fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and orange segments
Place yogurt in small mixing bowl. Stir in honey and orange juice to taste; set aside.
Sprinkle a layer of granola in two parfait style glasses. Sprinkle with a mixture of mixed fruit. Top with yogurt. Add more granola to taste and top with fresh fruit mixture.
These can be made an hour or two ahead and covered with plastic wrap; store in refrigerator.
Makes 2 parfaits
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