A Picturesque Brunch!

I was looking through some pictures and stumbled upon this gorgeous garden patio and I fell in love. I have always dreamed of having a outdoor area to entertain my friends and family. This picture inspired me to think of how perfect a place it would be for a wonderful sunday brunch. So I have put together the brunch spot, the dress that I would love to wear, and a few recipes that I would love to make! Enjoy!

Dress from Free People

French Toast Panini with Grilled Bananas

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 medium orange)
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cognac (optional)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt
• 8 slices Texas toast or other thick white bread
• 3 large ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Confectioners' sugar, for garnish
• Pure maple syrup, for garnish

Directions

Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, orange juice, vanilla, cognac, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Place the bread in 2 shallow baking dishes in a single layer. Pour the egg mixture over the bread; let soak for 10 minutes.
While the bread is soaking, preheat a grill to medium. Place a flat cast-iron skillet on the grill. Brush the bananas with the melted butter; cook in the skillet until they are browned on all sides and beginning to release their juices, about 3 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer the bananas to a plate, then wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. When the bananas are cool enough to handle, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Remove a piece of bread from the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Place on a cutting board, top with four or five banana slices, then cover with another piece of bread. Brush the skillet on the grill lightly with vegetable oil. Add the sandwich to the pan; place a grill press or heavy pan over the sandwich to weigh it down. Cook until the bread is nicely toasted and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip, press and cook on the other side until golden. Keep warm; repeat with the remaining bread and bananas, adding more oil as needed. Transfer the panini to plates and slice in half diagonally; top with confectioners' sugar and plenty of maple syrup.

Breakfast Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 storebought pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons Cinnamon-Sugar, divided, recipe follows
• 2 cups mascarpone cheese
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 2 cups mixed berries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Transfer the pizza dough to the lined baking sheet and brush the dough with the melted butter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Cinnamon-Sugar and bake until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool the pizza crust on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the cheese, cream, lemon juice, and zest.
Spread the cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Top with mixed berries and sprinkle with the remaining Cinnamon-Sugar. Slice like a pizza and serve.

Cinnamon-Sugar:

• 1 vanilla bean
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cut the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise. Using the back of a knife, scrape along the inside of the vanilla bean to collect the seeds. Scrape vanilla bean seeds into a small bowl. Add sugar and cinnamon and stir to combine. Set aside in a small serving bowl.

Eggs Benedict

Ingredients

• 4 slices Canadian bacon
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup butter
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 dash ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 English muffins, split and toasted

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, fry the Canadian bacon on each side until evenly browned.
2. Fill a large saucepan with about 3 inches water, and bring to a simmer. Pour in the vinegar. Carefully break the 4 eggs into the water, and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until whites are set but yolks are still soft. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon.
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter until bubbly in a small pan or in the microwave. Remove from heat before butter browns.
4. In a blender or large food processor, blend the egg yolks, heavy cream, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth. Add half of the hot butter in a thin steady stream, slow enough so that it blends in at least as fast as you are pouring it in. Blend in the lemon juice using the same method, then the remaining butter.
5. Place open English muffins onto serving plates. Top with 1 slice Canadian bacon and 1 poached egg. Drizzle with the cream sauce, and serve at once.

Peach Bellini

Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 bottle chilled prosecco sparkling wine

Directions

Place the peaches, lemon juice, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until smooth. Press the mixture through a sieve and discard the peach solids in the sieve. Place 2 tablespoons of the peach puree into each Champagne glass and fill with cold prosecco. Serve immediately.