Host a fabulous Spring Brunch

Hey y'all! Spring has sprung, and you know what that means - it's brunch season! There’s nothing I love more than hosting a brunch party with my friends and family.  Lately I’ve been gravitating toward Southern dishes and flavors, so today, I wanted to share some tips on how to throw a fabulous Southern inspired spring brunch, complete with the perfect wine pairings.

First things first, let's talk about the menu. Brunch is all about the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Some of my go-to brunch favorites include fresh baked croissants, banana bread, fresh fruit, a savory egg dish like a mushroom frittata, and bacon.  And always something with a little pizazz, like Jalapeno Cheddar Grits.  If you're a fan of Southern cuisine, then you know that grits are a staple on any breakfast or brunch table.

It just wouldn’t be brunch without mimosas. Am I right? Creating a luxurious mimosa bar that looks as pretty as the cocktails you’ll create takes a little planning but will be well worth it.  A colorful mimosa bar will have your friends oohing, ahhhing and posting. Talk about serious bragging rights. 

Wow your guests with a gorgeous mimosa station

Luxe Mimosa Bar

To create a truly luxurious mimosa bar, start by choosing a champagne or sparkling wine. Even though you will be adding mixers, I am a firm believer in using a quality bubble for the best results.  A few bubblies to try: Patterson Cellars Sparkling Rose, Greenhill Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, Messina Hof Winery Texas Brut . This will add a level of sophistication to your setup and ensure that your mimosas taste amazing.

Variety is key! While traditional orange juice is always a crowd-pleaser, consider offering a few different juices in several hues for your guests to select from . Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, and blood orange juice are all great options that will provide unique flavors and wonderful depth of color to your mimosas.

Exotic Fruit

To create an elegant presentation, in addition to fresh berries, citrus twists and wedges include exotic fruit garnishes like passion fruit, kiwi, or red dragon fruit if you can find it. These colorful and flavorful additions will elevate the look of your mimosa bar and make it feel more indulgent.

Premium Enhancers

Take your mimosas to the next level by offering premium mix-ins like orange blossom water, elderflower syrup, lavender syrup, hibiscus blossoms, and fresh fruit purees. Mango and strawberry purees make for vibrant and delicious cocktails. These additions will give your guests the ability to create unique and flavorful mimosas that they won't be able to find anywhere else.

Elegant Presentation

When it comes to presentation, a luxurious mimosa bar should be displayed with elegance. Consider using a beautiful tablecloth, and decorate the area with fresh flowers, candles, and other decorative items. Offer high-quality glassware, like champagne flutes, and provide ice buckets and tongs for a polished look.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a truly luxurious mimosa bar that your guests will never forget. Remember to have fun, be creative, and enjoy the process of putting together this elegant and indulgent display.

Don’t skip the details!

Be sure to add some fresh flowers and colorful linens to your tablescape for that extra touch of springtime.  I like to make several small floral arrangements using a few different flowers in bright spring colors. And clipping a few blossoms to scatter around the mimosa bar and buffet. Tulips, daffodils, daisies, freesia, and hyacinth or lilac are all great flowers to work with. Although, if you or your guests have allergies, Tulips are a fantastic option. 

The perfect base for shrimp & grits

Jalapeno Cheddar Grits

If you're a fan of Southern cuisine, then you know that grits are a staple on any breakfast or brunch table. And while classic grits are delicious on their own, why not kick things up a notch with some jalapeno cheddar grits? Trust me, this dish will be the star of your brunch menu!

Here's what you'll need:

-1 cup of stone-ground grits

-4 cups of water or chicken broth

-1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

-1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

-4 tablespoons of butter

-Smoked Sea Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low.

Cook the grits for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and creamy.

While the grits are cooking, sauté the jalapeno pepper in a separate pan until it's soft and slightly browned.

Once the grits are done, stir in the sautéed jalapeno pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, and butter until everything is melted and combined.

Season the grits with salt and pepper to taste.

I like to sprinkle extra cheese on top and finish off under the broiler to get the cheese all bubbly and lightly browned before serving. Then top with thinly sliced jalapeno, fresh chives, green onion, or diced tomato for a pop of color. 

Now, let's talk about the rest of your Southern-inspired brunch menu. Here are a few of my favorite dishes that pair perfectly with jalapeno cheddar grits:

Fried chicken and waffles - This classic Southern dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve the chicken and waffles alongside the grits for a hearty brunch spread. I like adding a little corn meal to my waffle mix when making Chicken & Waffles.  And then topping with a savory syrup made with maple syrup, bacon drippings, and finely chopped fresh rosemary. 

Shrimp and grits - Another Southern staple, shrimp and grits is a great option for a brunch menu. Top your grits with succulent sautéed shrimp, andouille sausage, and a rich Cajun spiced tomato-based sauce…mmm!

Biscuits and gravy - You can't go wrong with this classic breakfast dish. Serve your biscuits with a creamy sausage gravy and a side of jalapeno cheddar grits for a delicious, savory brunch spread.

Make it egg-cellent!  - For a small gathering of just a few friends, you can easily poach several eggs and serve over the grits. However, if you have a crowd or would rather not be standing over a hot stove when you could be clinking glasses and relaxing with your guests, I suggest an egg dish like quiche or frittata.  While it is by no means "Southern" this Mixed Mushroom Frittata is one of my go-to recipes for entertaining.

Mixed Mushroom Frittata

Mixed Mushroom Frittata Recipe: The Perfect Brunch Dish

A frittata is a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with a variety of ingredients, but one of our favorite combinations is mushroom and cheese. This savory egg dish is the belle of the ball on any brunch buffet. This meatless masterpiece will wow the vegetarians in your group and satisfy the gluten sensitive as well.

Ingredients:

8 large eggs

1/2 cup milk or heavy cream

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish

8 ounces mixed mushrooms, sliced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda or Swiss)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or cream) until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and thyme skillet and sauté until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue to cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes.  For this dish, I prefer to use a variety of mushrooms for a medley of flavors and textures.  Try cremini, shitake, and oyster.  When in season, I highly recommend adding a few chanterelle or morel mushrooms.  Or grab one of the chef’s selection boxes for an instant assortment to work with. 

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and stir gently to combine with the mushrooms and onions. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the eggs start to set around the edges.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the frittata, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the frittata is set in the center and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let the frittata cool for a few minutes and sprinkle with the reserved thyme  before slicing and serving.

So, there you have it - my tips for hosting the perfect Southern brunch party, complete with the perfect wine pairings. Cheers to a wonderful spring season filled with delicious food, great company, and of course, fabulous wine!

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