Entertaining with Brunch

Brunch makes a great party, especially when there are bellinis and lots of hearty comfort food.  In Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ina Garten says "A good party is not about the food, it's about the people."  What she is saying is that you don't want to put all of your effort into the food and leave other details like spending time with meaningful guests out as you entertain.  The great thing about a brunch party is that it is the perfect time to serve foods that can be prepared in advance, such as coffee cake and quiche, as well as purchased items such as biscuits and fruit.  You don't want to have to get up at the crack of dawn to make everything from scratch that morning, right?  Here is the menu along with some photos of the food I served at Finn's Baptism Brunch recently.  Below you will also find the recipe from my mother-in-law Meredith (aka Bene) for the Cheddar-Jack Quiche.  Note that this menu was for a pretty special occasion with about 20-25 guests.  It could easily be scaled back for entertaining just a few more casually.

Another good tip:  call upon others to help!  Bene helped me make 5 quiches and nearly 50 cupcakes for this event.   Maybe I should have called this blog Cate & Bene?

Menu

bellini bar

oj, coffee
green fruit bowl with vanilla yogurt
spinach dip with parmesan crostini
new york style crumb cake
bene’s cheddar-jack quiche
rm cream cheese biscuits
sausage ‘n bacon
signature salad
heirloom chocolate cupcakes

 Bene's Cheddar-Jack Quiche

Line bottom and sides of quiche dish (9") with pie crust.
Layer 2 cups of shredded monterey jack cheese.
Next, layer 1 cup shredded orange extra-sharp cheddar
Beat 3 extra large eggs or 4 medium eggs.
Add 1 cup half & half to the eggs.
Pour egg mixture into the pie crust.
Layer pieces of provolone cheese (2 slices cut into pieces)
Sprinkle top with another 1/2 cup of cheddar.

Bake 375 degrees for about 30 minutes until center feels firm to the touch.

The quiche freezes very well, especially with individual slices wrapped in aluminum foil.  Very handy for lunch or a lazy Sunday morning.