I am really good at blogging punctually and timely (sarcastic)... this brunch was back in April. It was freezing rain outside, so I hosted my picnic brunch in my living room. Loads of blankets, picnic baskets overflowing with flowers. An endless stream of mimosas, raspberry lemonade, and cold brew flowing. A warm loaf of lemon poppyseed bread. Delicious little pastries. And an avocado toast cheese board... Read on for recipes for raspberry lemonade, lemon poppyseed loaf, and my avocado toast cheese board!
DIY Avocado Toast and Cheese Board Tutorial;
Components;
- veggies; halved heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, sliced red onion, roasted red and green peppers and onions, sprouts, mashed avo (add cumin + salt + pepper).
- sweets; dried cranberries, pomegranate, figs, fig jam.
- savories; sliced hard boiled eggs, walnuts, marcona almonds, lemon hummus.
- cheese; baked brie (with honey and rosemary), cracked pepper goat cheese, feta crumbles.
- breads; sea salt crackers and toasted slices of a baguette.
The exact components will change depending on the time of year, but I love having fresh fruits, dried fruits, jam or chutney, nuts, cheese (hard, soft, and semi soft, although I skipped the hard here), hummus, a mix of fresh and roasted veggies, eggs (bc brunch - duh!), and a cracker and bread (toasted bc again - brunch).
Raspberry Lemonade Recipe;
Ingredients;
- the juice from 4 medium to large sized lemons (or six small ones)
- 1/2 bag frozen strawberries
- 2 cups of water
Recipe;
- Combine the lemon juice, water, and raspberries
- Muddle the raspberries
- Shake before serving
Notes;
- Make the night before to let the flavor really infuse
- If you do not like seeds or pulp, strain!
- Serve in a carafe!
(I got this one from Target, and I also have an incredible vintage one from Goodwill!)
- I did not add any extra sugar, the sugar from the raspberries was enough for me!
- Taste before serving.
- If it is not sweet enough add honey.
- Too tart? Add water.
- Not sour enough? Add another Lemon.
-Serve with a splash of Rosé!
Lemon Poppyseed Loaf Recipe;
Ingredients;
Loaf;
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick), room temperature
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 free range eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- zest of 2 organic lemons (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp poppy seeds
- slivered almonds (for sprinkling on top)
Icing;
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Recipe;
- preheat oven to 350ºF
- grease a loaf pan with butter and set aside
- cream the butter and the sugar in bowl of a stand mixer
- with the mixure on low add in the oil, eggs, yogurt, and lemon zest and beat until smooth.
- in a separate mixing bowl, whisked together the flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
- gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and beat well until smooth.
- pour into a greased loaf pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean
(about 60 minutes - but CHECK - every oven is different)
- move to a wire rack and let cool.
- while cooling, prepare the icing.
- whisk together the icing ingredients adding more sugar or water for your desired consistency.
- drizzle the icing on top and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Notes;
- This Lemon Poppyseed Bread is really more of a pound cake!
- A few people have similar recipes that they refer to as "healthy" and I am sorry but no... this is more of a dessert... it's cake! Just a note to remember, that just because something says "healthy" on pinterest, does not mean it is.
- As hard as it is... let cool before icing, or the icing will melt.
This day was sooooo good. New friends and old friends coming together over brunch. I am forever grateful for the ladies that came out to my brunches. The community that grew from this particular brunch was incredible (hey #murderbaewrote true crime book club ladies!). It is so cool to see friends from different parts of your life bond and make friendships!
If you throw your own indoor picnic brunch- tag me @juliettelaura ! I would love to see what you dream up!
Be sure to follow along on Instagram to not miss a brunch post!
Post a Comment