Weekend brunch is all about relaxation, spending more time than usual over coffee, newspapers and good conversation. Food is an integral component and it, too, should fit the laid-back mode while conveying an extra bit of pizazz.
There are classics in the brunch lineup, to be sure: eggs Benedict, omelets and French toast. Each of those, though, asks for last-minute attention and careful juggling.
A new tradition brings smoked salmon on herbed biscuits to the table with less effort and attention. Underneath the stylish demeanor, it is a variation on the bagel and smoked salmon combination, dressed up with freshly baked, herb-flecked biscuits. Team them with an exotic fruit drink to start and then strong coffee to end the meal.
Guanabana fizz
Smoked salmon on lemon herbed biscuits with lemon-horseradish creme fraiche
Summer fruit garnish
Coffee or tea
HERBED BISCUITS
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 biscuits
1 package (8 ounces) buttermilk biscuit mix, such as Jiffy
1/4 cup each: water, whipping cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
3/4 teaspoon sugar Flour
1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Combine biscuit mix, water, cream, dill, rosemary and sugar in medium bowl. Mix to form soft dough. Turn onto lightly floured board; with hands, shape to a 7-inch circle. Cut biscuits with 3-inch biscuit cutter, re-forming and cutting scraps.
2. Arrange on ungreased baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake until golden, 8-10 minutes.
Nutrition information per biscuit:
Calories ………… 200 Fat ………… 10 g Saturated fat .. 3.8 g
% calories from fat .. 43 Cholesterol … 14 mg Sodium …….. 485 mg
Carbohydrates …… 25 g Protein ……. 3.2 g Fiber ………. 0.8 g
GUANABANA FIZZ
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
A simple, refreshing concoction that is a great alternative to orange juice, made with the sweet, floral and slightly exotic taste of guanabana. Canned guanabana nectar is available in most supermarkets, either in the juice or Hispanic aisle.
2 cans (11 1/2 ounces each) guanabana or guava nectar, well chilled
2 bottles (10 ounces each) bitter lemon soda, well chilled
4 lime wedges
Combine nectar and soda. Pour over ice; garnish with lime wedge.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories ……….. 115 Fat ………. 0.1 g Saturated fat … 0 g
% calories from fat .. 1 Cholesterol … 0 mg Sodium …….. 13 mg
Carbohydrates ….. 29 g Protein …… 0.1 g Fiber ……… 0.9 g
LEMON-HORSERADISH CREME FRAICHE
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 1/3 cup
1/3 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon each: finely minced lemon zest, prepared horseradish
Stir together creme fraiche, lemon juice, zest and horseradish.
Nutrition information per tablespoon:
Calories …………. 35 Fat ………. 3.2 g Saturated fat .. 2 g
% calories from fat .. 83 Cholesterol … 7 mg Sodium ……. 11 mg
Carbohydrates ……. 1 g Protein …… 0.5 g Fiber ………. 0 g
SMOKED SALMON SANDWICHES WITH HERBED BISCUITS
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
6 herbed biscuits, see recipe
4 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup mixed mesclun greens
6 pieces each, thinly sliced: smoked salmon, tomato, Vidalia onion
1/3 cup lemon-horseradish creme fraiche, see recipe
Split biscuits; spread butter on one side of each. Arrange greens, followed by salmon, tomatoes and onion. Top with dollop of lemon-horseradish creme fraiche; replace top half of biscuit.
Nutrition Information per serving:
Calories ………… 300 Fat ………… 17 g Saturated fat … 7 g
% calories from fat .. 51 Cholesterol … 35 mg Sodium ……. 720 mg
Carbohydrates …… 32 g Protein ……… 8 g Fiber ……….. 2 g
