Chrissie's Creations: Creating a Special & Unique Mother's Day Brunch

Creating a special, unique Mother's Day Brunch is something that can be done easily, with minimal stress, and a whole lot of love! The word "brunch" is a combination of breakfast and lunch, with recipes from both meals combined for one special event.

The recipes that I am sharing with you here are my own creations. I have included two meatless dishes, for health and humane reasons, that are big on taste, and easy to prepare. You can even do the prep work the night before and have them ready to go in the oven the next day. An old recipe for biscuits of mine is also included, as well as a smoothie drink selection that is sure to please. Each recipe should serve six; however, if you are serving more people, then double the ingredients as needed.

Before guests arrive, try setting a festive mood. Light tea light candles, (use unscented ones so the scents do not clash with the food) put a vase or vases of fresh flowers out in a visible area, (you can get inexpensive ones from your local green grocer or supermarket) set the table with your fine china, and use cloth napkins.

Use construction paper to create heart-shaped cut-outs, in colors that match your china dishes, to make personalized place cards for your guests. Place a pretty fresh or silk flower on top of each plate for each guest to keep.

Do not forget to have plenty of fresh coffee and hot water for tea ready for your guests. Put out an array of tea bags for your guests to choose from. Indulge in sugar cubes and place them on a small china dish with a small pair of tongs. Be sure to include a sugar substitute for those guests who can not use sugar. Additionally, have a large pitcher of ice water on the table, too.

In addition to my recipes, you can also serve a raw vegetable platter, using the vegetables of your choice, (I usually use slices of cucumbers, celery, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes on a china platter) with a simple sour cream and chive dip. To make the dip: mix twelve ounces of sour cream, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of dried chives in a small bowl. Place the bowl in the center of the platter and serve.

Regardless of what religion you or your guests may be, giving thanks before a meal would be a nice way for all of you to begin the Mother's Day brunch. Instead of a particular type of prayer, you could ask each guest to share three things that they are most grateful for in their lives.

Chrissie's Mothers Day Brunch Casserole...

INGREDIENTS:

6 slices bread (I usually use rye)

2 cups low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

6 eggs, beaten

2 cups skim or low-fat milk

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon soy sauce

½ teaspoon horseradish

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon dried parsley

Nonfat cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

Grease the bottom of a 9"x13" pan using non-fat cooking spray. Break apart 6 slices of bread and place in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle cheddar cheese. Mix eggs, milk, onion powder, pepper, salt, soy sauce, and horseradish, and pour over casserole. Top with parmesan cheese and parsley.

Bake uncovered at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes. Note: Check at 30 minutes to see progress.
Serves up to 6.

Mother's Day Brunch Quiche By Chrissie...

INGREDIENTS:

8 eggs, beaten

2 cups half-and-half cream or light cream

8 ounces asparagus (from the can)

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 large green pepper, chopped

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup soft bread crumbs

1 cup shredded low-fat Swiss cheese

1 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese

2/3 cup finely chopped red onion

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon chili powder (if desired)

Nonfat cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Note: Let stand 12 minutes before cutting/serving. Easily serves six or more.

Chrissie's Mother's Day Old-fashioned Biscuit Recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

3 tablespoons shortening

1 cup sour milk

DIRECTIONS:

Mix dry ingredients together; cut in shortening. Slowly blend in milk, just until dry ingredients are moistened. Roll out on floured cloth or surface to about 1/2-inch thick. (Make sure that you do not roll too thin.) Cut with biscuit cutter or glass tumbler.

Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 350° 10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with butter or margarine.

Chrissie's Mothers Day Brunch Smoothies...

INGREDIENTS:

12 ounces diced pineapples

2 bananas cut for blending

2 cup skim milk

1 1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt

1 1/4 cup crushed ice

Sugar/sugar substitute--if needed, to taste

One lime, cut in wedges PREPARATION:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. You may add sugar to taste. Garnish each glass with a slice of lime. You may also add shots of rum to these smoothies to make cool island drinks! Makes about 6 cups.

Chrissie's Mother Day Brunch Dessert Menu: Heavenly Delight...

Ingredients:

1 pound low-fat sour cream

2/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise

1 pound bag mini marshmallows

2 cups almonds, chopped

9 ounces maraschino cherries, drained, cut in half

16 ounces pineapple chunks, drained

7 ounces flaked coconut

12 ounces Mandarin orange pieces, drained

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl. Store in the refrigerator, tightly covered. Refrigerate at least 4-6 hours. Serves up to ten.