Weekend Brunch Ideas - The Vegetarian Resource Group

A Relaxing Weekend BrunchBy Peggy RynkBRUNCH IS A CASUAL MEAL,usually composed of avariety of dishes that areeasy to prepare, including onesthat can be made ahead of time.This way, the host and/or hostesscan relax and enjoy the meal asmuch as the guests do. The purposeof brunch is for family andfriends to get together to delightin one another’s company in acasual, unhurried atmosphere.Some foods—such as bagelsand rolls, vegan ‘cream cheese,’and hummus—can be purchasedat natural foods stores, specialtyshops, bakeries, and well-stockedsupermarkets. So can vegan wafflesand ‘sausages.’ Still, there isplenty of room for creative cooksto come up with dishes and menusof their own.Brunch can be served eitherbuffet-style, with everyone helpingthemselves, or family-style, withthe food placed on the dining tableto be passed around as desired.Beverages, like foods, are usuallykept simple—for example, tea,coffee, fruit juice, or combinationsof these.All the recipes included hereare easy to prepare, and some dowell if made ahead of time, furtherhelping the host and hostess relaxand enjoy their family and friends.CRANBERRY TEA PUNCH(Makes approximately 6 1 /2 cups)This is a refreshing beverage thatcan be served hot or chilled over ice.5 regular-sized (not family-sized) tea bags2 1 /2 cups boiling water1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg3/4 cup sugar (Use your favorite veganvariety.)2 cups cranberry juice1 1 /2 cups water1/2 cup orange juice1/3 cup lemon juicePlace the tea bags in a teapot orsaucepan and pour the boilingwater over them. Let steep forapproximately 10 minutes.While the tea is steeping, mixtogether the cinnamon, nutmeg,and sugar and set aside.Remove the tea bags and addthe sugar mixture, stirring untilsugar has dissolved. Stir in thecranberry juice, water, orangejuice, and lemon juice. Serve hot,or chill and serve over ice.Total calories per 1-cup serving: 133Fat: