Serving a New Year’s Day Brunch can be an excellent way to start the New Year with your family.  Many people start off New Year’s Day with a walk to welcome in the New Year and to burn off some of the calories and alcohol that they have over indulged in over the festive period.  Following this with a brunch can be a great idea to sit together, talk about New Years Resolutions and celebrate the coming of a new year. 

However, as brunch is between breakfast and lunch, many people are unsure about what to serve at this time of the day.  Of course, this often depends on who will be eating the meal.  Is it a romantic brunch for you and your partner?  Do you have small children who will be eating?  Did you have lots of family or guests who stayed over night and are now expecting their stomachs to be filled?  Depending on the logistics of the group that you will be accommodating will depend on the food that you choose to serve.  Here are some ideas to give you food for thought. 

A Hearty Brunch- A meal for the hungry.  This can be served for any number of people, whether this be an intimate meal for two or a big brunch for twenty people. A typical serving would include two rashers of bacon, a sausage, a slice of black pudding, freshly grilled tomatoes and eggs (either fried, poached or scrambled).  This is simple to make as all the meats and the tomatoes can be cooked in the oven or grill at the same time. 

An Intimate Brunch- This is great if you are eating as a couple or just a few adult friends.  Smoked salmon and lightly scrambled eggs served with toast or bagels is a light lunch that is easy to make and quick to serve.  If there are only adults present, this brunch can be served with champagne to welcome in the New Year.

The Frugal Feast- If you have hosted a party the night before, you may have a lot of food left over, particularly if you had a buffet.  Re-serving these foods can save time and money and reduce food wastage.  Bring out your meat, cheese and fish platters from the night before and serve with bread rolls and crackers so that your guests can help themselves.

The European Twist- Use up left over cheese and ham to make croqué monsieur’s (cheese and ham toasties).  These are quick and easy to make.  Serve with a refreshing glass of citrone presse (freshly squeezed lemon with a touch of sugar served over ice).

HOLIDAY POT LUCK GATHERINGS

It is holiday season and a time when folks like to get together to share the holiday spirit whether it is friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, club groups or your church family and often times those gatherings become “Pot Luck” brunches, lunches and dinners where everyone brings something to share.  They are fun gatherings and the fare can be fantastic without a whole lot of work on the part of anyone attending including the host, hostess or chairperson of the organization.

I think pot luck gatherings are fairly popular all over the country but it is very typical New England.  We have a lot of pot luck get togethers and they are lots of fun to attend and it is always fun to think up something to bring that will be different, maybe a little unique and something everyone will want to try and of course there is always the basics, macaroni and cheese, chili, baked beans, tossed salad, taco salad, cole slaw, potato salad, pasta salads, deviled eggs, brownies, cookies, cup cakes and the like and someone usually volunteers to bring a tray of cold cuts or a raw veggie platter complete with dip.  The list can go on and on and the variety can be amazing and having to fire up the grill for chicken or burgers or steaks or having to bake up a ham or roast a turkey isn’t really necessary.  Of course you can if you want to but there will no doubt be a wide enough variety that will include meat of some kind so it’s not something you have to do.  It is a matter of choice. 

One of the best things about pot luck is you don’t have to get fancy, dishes don’t have to match, and you can use paper plates, cups and napkins and plastic tableware and even paper table coverings and no one is going to frown.  It is expected and socially acceptable.  Just be sure if you are serving a hot beverage like coffee, tea or hot chocolate that the cups are meant to serve hot beverages in.  

Traditionally, pot luck meals include main dish casseroles, salads, beverage and desserts and the bigger the variety the more fun it is.  It is a fun way to entertain a large group without going to a huge expense and a lot of work to do so.  Everyone chips in making it all a lot of fun.  Pot luck gatherings are a lot more casual than the formal dinner party and a lot less work for everyone.  All folks have to do is bring themselves and one dish to share, whether it is a main dish, the appetizer, the dessert or being responsible for making the pot of coffee or the bowl of punch. 

Usually the host or hostess or host organization provides the plates, cups, napkins and tableware as well as the condiments and the host designates the meeting place and is responsible for seeing it is made ready.  It is also a good idea to make sure there are a few extra serving dishes, utensils and trays handy, just in case they are needed. From that point on it is pretty much a surprise party, not knowing exactly what is being served but it is usually good and always interesting.  The only other thing the host might do, probably would be a good idea to do, is to request two or three main dishes, a couple salads and two or three desserts from different ones you know will be attending or if it is your work place or club or church, post a list where people can sign under main dish, salad, appetizer, beverage or dessert; that is what they will bring and some folks may even bring a couple dishes but one is sufficient.  It usually balances out pretty well that way. 

I’ve attended a lot of “pot luck” meals over the years and have rarely found a whole lot of duplication in the fare at any one of them.  There is usually a fairly large variety of foods to choose from and everyone takes a little of this and a little of that so you don’t have to cook up a huge quantity of whatever you are planning to bring. Depending on how many will be probably be attending, I usually think “serve twelve” knowing it will serve three times as many since most people take only a small portion of everything so they can try the variety of foods available.  This way you don’t have a lot of leftovers and yet everyone has enough.  Even if there is fare you don’t particularly like, there will be plenty that you do like and I have never known anyone to go away from a pot luck dinner hungry.

Pot Luck brunch or lunches are a great way to take the tension out of a staff meeting and you can accomplish a lot over a good plate of food and a cup of coffee without all that pressure.  People are more relaxed and more open to suggestions and discussion than they might be in a more formal meeting and that includes the boss; and it is a good way to get to know your co-workers better.  It is a fun way to bring the holidays into the workplace and give everyone’s spirit a boost.

Sharing “pot luck” is a fun way to get together with friends and neighbors or bring the extended family together to share the holiday.  It is something everyone can share in and a setting everyone fits into comfortably.  Pot Luck gatherings are something everyone from Grandma and Grandpa to the littlest grandkids can enjoy.  With a little “pot luck” you can make it a party.

I am the luckiest person on Earth.  I am a full time working mother of amazing 10-year-old twins.  Not only was I blessed with phenomenal children, but also am very fortunate to have a fantastic husband.  I commute an hour each way to and from work.  My husband’s job is located within the town we live. Circumstances as they are, my husband is the one who makes the kids breakfast, takes them school and greets them when they arrive home on the bus.  I must admit, as grateful as I am for everything he does, there is a part of me which is terribly jealous that it is he and not I who gets to do those things. 

Sunday, May 9, 2010 America celebrated Mother’s Day.  My favorite thing about Mother’s Day is that it is an excuse to do nothing but spend quality time with my family.  This past Mother’s Day, I woke up early to make my son and husband breakfast in bed before they were off to hockey practice.  My daughter and I made a special brunch for my Mom.  Mother’s Day is the one day a year I can dote on my family and enjoy them without feeling the pressure of laundry, house cleaning and grocery shopping. 

Every day we are able to be a mother to our children is a gift.  Mother’s Day is not a day to be waited on and treated like a queen, but instead it is a day to be enjoyed, guilt-free with our family, which we are so very blessed to have.   

1. Brunch On A Budget. Even if you can do just kitchen basics you can prepare mom a nice breakfast. Scrambled eggs with cheese on an English muffin with a non alcoholic mimosa are a great way to wake Mom up. If you’re having a family brunch you may want to think about having an omelet bar where everyone can customize their breakfasts. Just have three ingredients and an extra of ham or bacon if you’re watching the cost. You can also serve cut fruit and rolls or biscuits to round this out.
2. Chore time. Yes, you balked at them when you were little but doing them made your mom very happy. Do them again for her. If the gutters need cleaning or the AC needs to be reinstalled them do it. You may also want to include the kids and your other siblings to help. This way you can tackle the larger jobs such as repainting or yard work.
3. Girl’s day out. Treat your Mom to a hair cut or a mani/pedi. A lot of salons and spas are having great deals right now so take advantage of them. Her salon may give senior discounts. If you’re good at it then treat her to your “service.“ If she wants to try a new hair color or have an old fashioned homemade oatmeal facial, then do it yourself. You can also create a special Mother’s Day salt scrub for her using kosher salt , essential oils and fragrance.
4. Mommy and me day. Treat Mom to a movie or even a day at the beach. Take her on an elegant picnic. Fill an old fashioned picnic hamper with china and real utensils (not the plastic kind) along with fancy finger sandwiches and a sparkling soft cider. Bring her to a museum exhibit she wants to see. These and art galleries usually offer various discounts for students and seniors. Also children are admitted free so the grandkids can tag along too.
5. That warm fuzzy feeling. Adopt a dog or cat for mom from your local shelter. There are fees here but they’re not that expensive. This could provide a newly widowed or divorced mother with company and someone to cuddle. Plus you’ll be doing the animal a favor too since so many were abandoned due to the recession.
6. Remember second grade? Or even first, third, fourth or fifth? These were the grades that you made Mom something special. You still can. If you’re good at knitting , then make her a beach hat or a summer shawl. If you’re good at candy making and baking then whip up a batch of chocolate truffles or homemade cookies. Create a fancy ring or earrings at your local bead store (there are some beads that are priced as low as a nickel). Whatever your talent is , just use it to make Mom a memorable gift.
7. Lend an ear. Talk is cheap but listening is priceless. Sometimes mothers just want to have someone to listen to them, Your mom may be having a problem she needs to solve or an idea she wants heard. Spend the afternoon with her over some homebrewed ice tea or lattes. Throw in a cake or your shared favorite cookies and listen. You many even learn.

Don’t worry if you can’t afford an extravagant Mother’s Day gift. There are many other ways to show your love like attending to a much neglected chore or treating Mom to the latest movie. It’s not the gift that counts but the thought and care behind it.

Going to the park- This place is not just for the kids anymore. The park is a great way to get out some of the cooped up energy and feel like a kid again. Bring a lunch or dinner basket, a nice bottle of wine, and a blanket to create a great picnic for you and your date. The only cost for this fun filled date is for the food that you need to have your picnic.

Head to the Planetarium- If you like watching the stars, the planetarium is a perfect place for all of those aspiring astronomers. In many places, the cost to go to the planetarium is relatively low cost and you and your date will have a wonderful time learning about the solar system.

Head to the drive in- If you have a drive in nearby, this classic venue is a great way to spend time with your loved one without spending a fortune. The cost to get in is around 5 dollars for a carload, and they usually show two or three movies at a time. Plus the costs of concessions are low priced at the drive in too.

Head to the zoo- This is a fun way to get out with your loved one and enjoy the animals that we do not see every day. Many of us love wild life and nature and the zoo is a fantastic place to take your date. Many of them are either free or very low cost to get in.

Museums- There is always something new and interesting going on at museums. It’s a great way to learn about history while seeing some pretty incredible art. The admission for many museums is low cost, and can fit in most people’s budgets.

Candlelight dinner at home- What a great way to spend the evening at home with your date, than with a home cooked candlelight dinner. Many people love the thought of a good home cooked meal with soft music, and candles to make their night special. The cost is low and all you need is to buy the ingredients to cook a nice meal and some candle sticks from your local dollar store. You can also finish the evening with a rented movie as you cozy up to your date.

Head to the café- Taking your date out to the café is not only low cost, but it’s a great way to get to know one another, if this is your first date together. Many café’s offer poetry readings, acoustic concerts, and a relaxed scenery that makes it an excellent destination. Many coffee houses offer free refills and food to their customers too.

Spend the evening under the big top- The circus is a fun entertaining outing that usually gets over looked. The two of you can have a great time and the cost to go is kept pretty low.

Go out for brunch- Instead of heading out to dinner, head out in the afternoon and take your date out for brunch instead. Most restaurants offer brunch specials for a lot lower than going out for dinner. This way you both go out for a nice meal at your favorite eatery, without spending a fortune.

Go for a nature walk- There are plenty of nature trails all over the place, if you are the outdoorsy type. Not only will you both see nature at its finest, but you both can have a peaceful and relaxing day out together.

Going out on a date doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty more places to take your significant other to that’s easy on your wallet and doesn’t make you look like a cheapskate. 

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People in the 50s ate big meals, and so they should considering a depression just passed and the war period was drawing to a close. Meat was popular and people were moving into the suburbs where a barbeque fitted just right in the manageably sized backyards. Men often did the cooking and women did the preparation when guests were over.

Franchised dinners and fast food chains began in the 50s. The corner store was being taken over by larger companies that sold things cheaper. Frozen meals were being used as life sped up and women entered the workforce. The microwave allowed these meals to be heated up easily.

Home grown foods became less popular as foods at shops became cheaper and more available. Food at this time is still pretty healthy. Chemicals are not added to most foods and the idea of a diet was largely unknown.

There was a lot more technology in the kitchen in the 50s and people often wanted to use it. More cold foods were bought and stored in the fridge which was much bigger and better then those old ice boxes. Ice-creams were popular as a desert.

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Breakfast was now more commonly cereals and packeted products like Kellogg’s “Rice Bubbles” and “Cornflakes”. Some families stopped having lunch as it was at an inconvenient time but Dinner was still a family meal, occasionally with guests, that every one must attend.

Then: People considered meals to be a main part in the day which the entire family was required to attend.

Now: Families often don’t have meals together at all and the food is all artificially processed.