Brunch to Munch!
6December 11, 2012 by Decorum DIYer
Happy Tuesday, all!
Since I am eyebrow-deep in prepping my house for my daughter’s birthday party this Sunday, I thought I’d share with you our meal plans for the festivities.
I try to keep children’s birthday parties short and sweet. I don’t go overboard with games, food, nor decorations. I make an attempt to have a loose theme and make it festive, but not so over-the-top that it is wasteful and a further strain on my fragile psyche and budget.
As mentioned in a previous post, my daughter will be three on Friday and we are hosting a ‘Gingerbread House’ birthday party in her honor. Since I always have Claire’s party on a Sunday, I started the tradition of hosting a brunch around noon (I know noon is technically lunch, but I’m flexible on that point), instead of the usual birthday bash mid-afternoon nosh. Serving brunch keeps it simple and makes it easy for friends and family rushing from church that same day, without having to go home after church and then out again to attend the party. It also ensures that the guests are snuggly home before dark and before most of the ever-important football games are on television. I am not a football fan, so watching the game during the party is not an option. 😉 (Just between you and me, that is a pet peeve of mine during Thanksgiving.)
So, here is a list of what I plan to serve this Sunday (recipes included!):
- Paula Deen’s French Toast Casserole with Raspberry Syrup (I use half the butter requested and I add more spices. I only add nuts, if I am certain that my guests do not have nut allergies. I never provide the raspberry syrup, as most of my guests prefer maple syrup.)
- Alton Brown’s Ham and Asparagus Frittata
- Maple Sausage Links
- Bacon
- Assorted Fruits
- Alton Brown’s Hot Cocoa prepared and served in a crock pot. (the secret ingredient is cayenne pepper – use sparingly!) I’m telling you this is ‘liquid crack’ to children and adults alike. I know I shouldn’t compare yummy hot cocoa to illegal drugs, but you know what I mean.
- Orange Juice
- Milk
- and of course…CAKE and Ice Cream (I am fortunate that my Mother-in-law bakes and decorates a cake for every grandchild’s birthday that is specially suited to the party’s theme. Not only are her cakes beautiful works of art, but yummy as well!)
Can you tell that I have a little crush on Alton Brown? Yeah, I like my men ‘nerdy’. (Sorry, now Weird Al’s “White and Nerdy” is playing in my head.) 🙂
All of the above is made ahead and kept warm for serving buffet style. Everyone really enjoys the brunch party. At least, I think they do, as I rarely have leftovers.
Decorum DIYer 
I think I need to try making that hot chocolate! Sounds delish : ]
My mouth is watering after reading your menu! I’m with Jennifer: the hot chocolate you described sounds uh-ma-zing. Let us know how it all turns out!
I made Paula Dean’s french toast casserole for a holiday brunch I hosted two years ago; the thing I liked about it the most was that I could make it ahead of time! Good luck & have fun this Sunday!
The make ahead is a huge plus for me. I’ve made it for at least seven years now. It is a family favorite. My mother always hosts a Christmas morning breakfast (since everyone has ‘other’ family afternoon/evening plans) and I think my family would disown me, if I ever stopped bringing it. We also take extended family vacations with my husband’s family. Each family unit takes a breakfast and dinner day. I am expected to make it for breakfast. It is just too easy to feed that many people. It really is a great recipe (sans the extra butter).
Love your Sunday brunch birthday theme..super cute! This menu sounds amazing. I’m also on board for your hot chocolate recipe…I’m always up for a little ‘liquid crack’ Ha!
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