Summer Brunch Extravaganza: How To Make

Part of the fun of brunch is simplicity, and knowing how to make a summer brunch extravaganza tasty and fun requires just a few simple steps.

1. Set the day. Sundays are a good choice for a brunch party. “Sunday Fun Day” is the last chance to let loose before dreaded Monday comes lurking in and drinking early is a perfect way to prevent hangovers at the start of the work week.
2. Plan the menu: Breakfast and lunch items are all acceptable for this early afternoon meal, so there are a wide variety of choices to include on your summer brunch menu. Start with a selection of fresh fruit. Sliced pineapple, oranges, apples and berries are the most popular choices, while more unique fruits like kiwi and mangos are nice in the summertime. Also serve croissants, toasted English muffins and bagels with butter, cream cheese and peanut butter. Lox (thin sliced salmon) also goes well with bagels and cream cheese. While cooking can hinder the brunch experience for the party planner, we suggest foods that can be made ahead of time. Serve cold bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches that can be prepared in advance, along with chilled hard-boiled eggs. At the bottom of the page, we also offer up a simple french toast recipe that can be prepared in the morning and kept warm in the oven.
3. Plan the drinks: Traditional drink choices for a summer brunch extravaganza are mimosas, screwdrivers, Bloody Marys, and tequila sunrise. Fresh Pina Coladas are perfect for a warm summer afternoon brunch. The more complicated drink recipes can be found at the bottom of the page.
4. Plan the Entertainment:  If you're into sports, plan your summer brunch around the big game. Have everyone come over early for brunch and cocktails before the start of the sporting event, and switch over to beer and barbecue once the game gets going. You can also have a movie marathon. We know there are those of you would would love to gather a group to watch all three “Lord of the Rings” movies, or the Harry Potter Films. If your down for more of a low-key brunch, just make sure you have music on hand if things get dull. If you plan the brunch by a nearby beach or lake that also provides pre-set entertainment value for your party.

French Toast recipe:

• Three large Eggs
• One tablespoon of butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Eight slices French bread
• Powdered Sugar
• Maple syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended. Add milk, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, vanilla and butter to the mixture.
2. Dip the sliced bread into the French Toast mixture, turning it once so they are evenly coated. 
3. Turn your stove to medium-low heat. Cook each slice of bread about one to three minutes on each side in a greased skillet. Keep the French Toast warm in the oven while you cook the remaining slices.
4. Lightly dust each slice of bread with powdered sugar. Keep warm in the oven until ready to serve with maple syrup.

Pina Colada recipe:

1. Place 2 1/2 cups of ice in a blender. Add 3 oz of light Rum, 2 ounces of coconut milk, and 3 tablespoons of crushed pineapple.
2. Blend on high for 15 to 30 seconds. Pour into a high-ball or daiquiri glass, and garnish with a wedge of fresh pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

Bloody Mary Recipe:

1. Add 2 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of tomato juice, a dash of hot sauce, a dash of Worchester sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a pinch horseradish in a martini shaker. Shake very gently and pour into a highball glass filled with ice.
2. Crack fresh pepper and a little salt over the glass. Garnish with celery stalk, green olives, and a pickle spear.

Tequlia Sunrise Recipe:

1. Pour 2 ounces of tequila into a low-ball glass filled with ice, and top with 3 ounces of orange juice. Stir.
2. Add 1/4 ounce of grenadine to the glass.  Do not stir.
3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange.