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I’ll start by saying that I’m not the best cook. So when I plan a brunch, I’m looking for things I can buy vs make. 😌
Our first choice of course is to hire a caterer! This means less stress and more time enjoying the day with friends. Next best is to plan with as little stress as possible.🚫🍳
Tips for setting up a no-stress brunch
1. Plan your menu
I researched all the best items that just needs to be served or warmed up in the oven – including the best frozen waffles – so I could minimize cooking.
Here’s are just a few things on the menu that were a hit: Trader Joes’ Mac and Cheese Balls, Tomato & Red Onion Focaccia, frozen lemon bars; from the market: fried chicken & Julian’s recipe frozen waffles; Fresh from the bakery: quiches, croissants, beignets, & brioche bread (I did actually make French toast see recipe below!)
Click here to download this shopping list of all the items I purchased for this fabulous brunch!
2. Set up your space
I wanted to set up outside but it was a little chilly so I opted to put a table inside. This did limit what I was able to set out, so I had to plan out the space a bit. Setting out the serving dishes helped me visualize what goes where, and narrow down what I can actually serve.
3. Take a few minutes to prep
Here are a few things to do that will make your life easier while you host!
- Triple bag your trash cans so they are easy to take out when full
- Empty your dishwasher so it’s quick and easy to load instead of piling dishes in the sink
- Fill up/Prep your coffee machine so you just have to turn it on when guests ask for coffee
- Make sure your bathrooms are full stocked with soap, TP and Toothpicks
- Have “Table topics” cards handy for great conversations
4. Put it all together
Our completely store bought brunch was a hit!
The biggest tip we have – whether you are making the food yourself, buying store made, or hiring a caterer – is to give yourself enough time!
This brunch turned out fabulous! But thankfully my friends don’t show up on time.
I said to come by at 1, and the last ones didn’t show up until 2:30…thank goodness because I wasn’t done prepping until 2:45 pm!
I’d recommend working backward from when you want to be done. Using our shopping list, I’d recommend adding the cooking temperature and time needed to warm up each item. This way, you can bundle items that have the same cooking time and temperature.
Having the platters and warmers set out in advance also comes in handy here so as soon as the oven is finished warming one item, you can place it in the right spot on the buffet table.
Make sure you take everything out of the containers (that means dips, salads, salami, juices, etc.) and place them nicely in bowls, platters, and caraffes.
Make sure you also have enough tongs and serving spoons ready for each dish.
Maybe one day I’ll be on time for my own parties! In the end, we had a great time enjoying the food and company. That’s what it’s all about right?
Creme Brulee Brioche French Toast Recipe
I did make one item, and it was so delicious. It’s also super easy to make. Try making this creme brulee French toast with Brioche bread and let me know what you think!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream (or milk if you don’t have heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 5 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- dozen slices of brioche bread
Toppings:
- chopped blueberries and strawberries
- powdered sugar
- pancake syrup
Instructions:
- Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Lay out the bread on a foil lined baking sheet sprayed with a cooking spray.
- Mix together the cream, vanilla, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar.
- Pour the egg mixture into the cream and stir.
- Pour 1/2 of the mixture onto the bread.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Pour the remaining liquid on the bread.
- Put the bread in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread.
- When done, place the french toast on a platter and add the toppings for a beautiful and delicious brunch item.
