Mother’s Day

May 4, 2016/Nat

We’ve covered what to gift. Now, what to eat? One of my favorite traditions for Mother’s Day is brunch. I grew up doing it with my mom and now that my little girl is here, continue with her. Whether you go out or stay in, there’s something special about having breakfast together. If you choose to stay in, boy do we have a brunch for you. The last one I did was one of my most popular posts to-date so I was anxious to do another one but, of course, this time, with some fresh, new ideas. I love anything mini (M&M’s, horses…). And, my eyes are far bigger than my stomach; I always want to try everything and, this way, you can. No one has to commit to a big ole thing. Plus littler is cuter.

Speaking of cute, how amazing are these tiny skillets? Each guest gets one, keeping their eggs warm (I heated them in the oven while a big thing of eggs was cooking on the stove and then placed each serving into the skillets letting them cook for one more minute in the oven.) while munching on other things (or refilling their mimosa). And the possibilities with these for future parties are endless.

Buy or make some crostini, whip together avocado, lemon juice, salt and place atop the bread, sprinkling a little cayenne pepper or paprika for some mini avo toasts.

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Individual French toast sticks in shot glasses with syrup were a huge hit. And, with only one or two servings, you save on all the calories and fat from a big restaurant order. Unless, of course, you’re like me and eat five of them. Either way, it’s more fun with these.

I also put some vanilla yogurt layered with fresh berries in cute, disposable (saves on clean up!) champagne flutes. Serve with a long teaspoon.

Natalie Thomas, MD Brunch- French Toast Dippers

This champagne cocktail I had in Montauk recently would be a perfect addition to the standard mimosa. It’s half the calories (balance out that bacon and bread!) and so refreshing. Pair Prosecco with Elderflower and cucumber.

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Jazz up that ordinary (yet essential) bacon by shaping it into hearts for your first true love- your mama.

Natalie Thomas, MD Brunch- Bacon Hearts

After making the eggs, French toast, avo toast, bacon, cocktail and parfait (all easy but timing it together is the tricky part), I saved myself some sanity and store-bought these little puppies but if you want to make ahead and freeze or do day of cause you’re a masochist, my mother-in-law swears by this recipe and, trust me, I’ve tried them too many times and they’re gooooood. Another great addition would be my family tradition of Monkey Cake. Can’t ever go wrong with it. It’d even be fun to pile up some pieces on the skillets and serve each guest their own stack.

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I love placing pretty photos around the table of your mom and you throughout the years (This shot is from the rehearsal dinner at my wedding and one of my favorites.), along with some fresh blooms and other items like artichokes or pineapples. And everything’s prettier on a nice tray and some super cute plates.

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