I’m a big fan of anything that helps make my life easier in the kitchen and so I was delighted to be asked to do a collaborative post with Panasonic and a bit of a shout out to their new range of bread makers. I have a bread maker of my own and I’m not sure whether I love it more for the ease with which I can whip up a loaf or the fabulous smell that fills the house when I use it…

Here then, is my perfect Sunday brunch…

Lazy Sunday mornings, sun pouring through the window, perusing the papers, sipping freshly brewed coffee, the aroma of baked bread surrounding you like a cosy dressing gown…

There’s something about brunch that I rather love.  It’s a bit more exciting than breakfast – a spot of Champers in my orange juice?  Ooh, why not? 

And it’s rather less formal and intimidating than lunch don’t you think?  No need for starters and… well, courses in general. It’s perfectly acceptable to just lay out a feast of your favourite foodstuffs and dig in!

Sorry to be bossy but…

So here’s what I’d like you to do (hopefully you’re used to my unreasonable demands by now); I’d like you to invite a few chums over one free Sunday and serve them a sumptuous, luxurious brunch.  It’s ok – I’ll tell you exactly what to do to make it perfect…

The arrival

The whole experience should start the moment your guests come through the door.  Imagine being welcomed by the wonderful aromas of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee… If you have a bread maker, get this going in plenty of time before your guests arrive so you can present it triumphantly, still warm and just waiting to be drenched in butter, drizzled with honey or covered with jam.

No bread maker? Take a look at these bread makers by Panasonic and keep your Sunday brunch stress free but croissant-full…

Setting the scene

Minimum fuss, maximum impact – that’s what we’re looking for here.  A simple table cloth, the papers spread out for people to peruse and plates and cutlery left in piles so that everyone can help themselves.  If you want everyone to feel relaxed (which is an absolute MUST for Sunday brunch) then you need to be relaxed too.  Keep things easy peasy and you’ll be breezy! (Too much? Sorry…)

The food

I know this is a food blog, but today there will be no recipes.  This is just about the enjoyment of good food and great company without any of the stress of preparation.  Here then are a few ideas for simple but delicious eats for your brunch guests…

Fresh fruit – slices of melon, bowls of strawberries or just a big fruit salad

Pastries – a few favourites from your local bakery

Assorted breads and preserves – perhaps a crusty loaf, some croissants or some lovely muffins served with jam, honey or perhaps a spot of lemon curd….mmmmm

Eggs & Bacon – I can’t bring myself to leave these weekend breakfast staples out!  A big bowl of buttery scrambled eggs and a plate overflowing with crispy bacon.  Hard to resist!

The drink

As suggested in my opening, the beauty of brunch is that a spot of booze can be added to the mix without too many raised eyebrows 🙂  My brunch faves are bucks fizz (a combination of orange juice and Champagne) and Bloody Mary.  The latter can be tricky to get just right but I love this recipe by Felicity Cloake.

As well as this, then a pot of hot tea, coffee or if you’re feeling particularly naughty, creamy hot chocolate.

Now go – bake, brunch and be happy!