Brunch, the leftovers
So remember when I was all, “I’m going to make the most swell brunch in all the land.”
Well.
There’s a saying about people who assume their brunch will be great and then it's not at all. Well, I’m just saying, that’s basically what happened. The egg casserole I’ve made a few times just didn’t work out…as in, it essentially was a gross version of egg and spinach soup, as if there were a good version. I’m not sure what happened, but I think it had something to do with the fact that I pre-prepared part of it last night.
Darn chemistry. Gets me every time. So, in the end, brunch turned into something more like lunch. And our very kind brunch guests consumed a collection of enchiladas (which actually weren’t all that good this time), along with fab salad and ceviche (which actually was awesome). Oh and thank got for this cake (the leftovers are pictured to the right). Because it completely rocked, and I think by 3 p.m. everyone was loaded with so much sugar that they couldn’t remember the enchiladas or their names. Well, maybe because of the sugar, and mainly because of the rocking mimosas. Thanks for those, by the way, C and Super Zoe.
But here’s the thing. As much as I want to be the “it’s so easy to whip something up” no-big-deal, domestic goddess…I’m just not. Because it’s rarely easy. I make big messes in the midst of my big deals. And I’m definitely not a goddess of anything, most especially all things domestic.
But Bek made a good point on her comment the other day…we’re entering a phase with the Hurricane where it’s just so much easier to have people over than to dine out. Or is it? I honestly can’t decide. Partially because I make things difficult. And partially because I haven’t yet acquired the cooking skills, nunchuck skills, or computer hacking skills that I need to whip up a fun meal for seven without seriously maiming passerbys in the process. In other words, I think I’m physically incapable of pulling off an easy dinner, lunch, brunch, elevensie, or breakfast.
But I really want to.
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent the better part of the last two decades dining out. Or maybe it seems like a fun 1970s throwback thing. Or maybe it’s because my parents were always so good at it…and they really are now…that I want to create those kinds of gatherings and memories around here. Because there’s something really lovely about a house that smells like dinner and coffee and sounds like conversation and laughter.
Now I just have to figure out how to do it without ruining anything, setting anything on fire, or having any major meltdowns.
Any tips, ideas, suggestions?
On another note, the centerpieces did turn out pretty fun. I didn’t actually take any photos of the lovely set up because I was too busy trying to get the Hurricane off my leg while simultaneously attempting to not burn down the neighborhood. But here are the leftovers in the windowsill…planted mint sprigs wrapped in Elvis fabric. Lovely.
And any adventurous souls (who were willing to attempt to keep the sprigs living) could take them home as parting gifts. You see, no matter how it tasted, it was the brunch that kept on giving.
Plus, Elvis.
Well.
There’s a saying about people who assume their brunch will be great and then it's not at all. Well, I’m just saying, that’s basically what happened. The egg casserole I’ve made a few times just didn’t work out…as in, it essentially was a gross version of egg and spinach soup, as if there were a good version. I’m not sure what happened, but I think it had something to do with the fact that I pre-prepared part of it last night.
Darn chemistry. Gets me every time. So, in the end, brunch turned into something more like lunch. And our very kind brunch guests consumed a collection of enchiladas (which actually weren’t all that good this time), along with fab salad and ceviche (which actually was awesome). Oh and thank got for this cake (the leftovers are pictured to the right). Because it completely rocked, and I think by 3 p.m. everyone was loaded with so much sugar that they couldn’t remember the enchiladas or their names. Well, maybe because of the sugar, and mainly because of the rocking mimosas. Thanks for those, by the way, C and Super Zoe.-------------------------------
But here’s the thing. As much as I want to be the “it’s so easy to whip something up” no-big-deal, domestic goddess…I’m just not. Because it’s rarely easy. I make big messes in the midst of my big deals. And I’m definitely not a goddess of anything, most especially all things domestic.
But Bek made a good point on her comment the other day…we’re entering a phase with the Hurricane where it’s just so much easier to have people over than to dine out. Or is it? I honestly can’t decide. Partially because I make things difficult. And partially because I haven’t yet acquired the cooking skills, nunchuck skills, or computer hacking skills that I need to whip up a fun meal for seven without seriously maiming passerbys in the process. In other words, I think I’m physically incapable of pulling off an easy dinner, lunch, brunch, elevensie, or breakfast.
But I really want to.
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent the better part of the last two decades dining out. Or maybe it seems like a fun 1970s throwback thing. Or maybe it’s because my parents were always so good at it…and they really are now…that I want to create those kinds of gatherings and memories around here. Because there’s something really lovely about a house that smells like dinner and coffee and sounds like conversation and laughter.
Now I just have to figure out how to do it without ruining anything, setting anything on fire, or having any major meltdowns.
Any tips, ideas, suggestions?
-------------------------------
On another note, the centerpieces did turn out pretty fun. I didn’t actually take any photos of the lovely set up because I was too busy trying to get the Hurricane off my leg while simultaneously attempting to not burn down the neighborhood. But here are the leftovers in the windowsill…planted mint sprigs wrapped in Elvis fabric. Lovely.
And any adventurous souls (who were willing to attempt to keep the sprigs living) could take them home as parting gifts. You see, no matter how it tasted, it was the brunch that kept on giving.Plus, Elvis.
posted by Girl con Queso at 12:27 AM
18 Comments:
I also find it easier to have people over. When we're at a non-childproofed home, I'm exhausted by the end of the evening, trying to protect their nice things.
Unfortunately, our culinary skills aren't so sharp. Thank god for the grill.
MUCH easier to entertain at home.
I always keep it simple - three or four excellent homemade apps, and then a heartier dish that I ususally get from a caterer. Then dress it up.
I'm sure it was much more fun for your guests than you realize.
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This is so something I would do. I like to entertain at home, and we do it quite a bit. I always choose complicated, fussy recipes and in my case... my blessed-with-culinary-skills husband ALWAYS saves me.
Like you though, I really want to pull it off. Someday.
At least you had Elvis! And mimosas! I bet it was a blast.
My response was too long, so I posted it on my blog.... Sufice it to say, I feel ya. But I don't have kids so I'm just responding to the hospitality questions, not the kid questions...I'm not even trying to go there because I know NOTHING about having kids. Check out my response, it is just for you!
I say "WOW" to the actual centerpieces and also the IDEA of having centerpieces. Impressive.
I read something in the NYT Sunday magazine that had me breathing a sign of relief. It was advice on entertaining from people who throw tons of dinner parties and they said "just one hors d'oeuvre plus nuts or olives." We are always futzing with the cheese tray and the veggie tray and the hummus and who knows what else -- we won't anymore.
Yes, it was wonderful! Marvy, in fact! It was so fun, such a nice treat, the food and bev were amazing (GcQ is too harsh on her enchiladas - I thought they were swell!) and most of all, the company was peerless.
That is what dining with people SHOULD be - way more about the quality of the people than the food (though both were fab in this case.) Plus, I got to sit next to the 'Cane!
And the ceviche: wowza. A. May. Zing.
And GcQ, I am so with you about the parents' entertaining thing! Mine, like yours, did and do it all the time and extremely well...I keep hoping that when I grow up I will be good at it, too. I haven't ventured much past cocktails; I stick to what I know.
Thanks again! It was absolutely a treat!!
If you had ceviche, then it couldn't possibly be anything but a huge success! That stuff is my favorite thing and totally addictive!
oooh, I can weigh in here!
We moved a few years ago to a bigger house, and while we've always entertained, we've recently been able to entertain even more and have really honed our skills. That said, I will disclaim that I don't have any decorative skills, so I leave that part out.
Here's what works for us - we plan the food together, and identify who will make what - me, my husband, guests if it is potluck. We shop the day before, prepare what we can prepare ahead, and then the morning of the event, Jesse will take the children and depart. I'll spend time getting the house as clean as it will get, and preparing the rest of the food I signed up for, and generally finalizing our work. We've gotten good enough that he can come back an hour or so before the party and things are past the point where children would mess them up.
We usually have a buffet for food and a buffet for drinks - I beleive this is called an open bar? We just put out all the mixin's and leave folks alone. Once everythinig is out, we just have to enjoy ourselves.
I am sure that your 'do was fabulous - the pictures are lovely, and the food sounded great. Just keep doing it and it will get better each time!
I love the centerpieces, what a fab idea!!
Are these photos supposed to be convincing me that you're not domestic? Because you might need some new photos. Color me impressed.
GcQ is totally Domino meets Blueprint meets Williams Sonoma when it comes to home and entertaining. She is just tastefully modest.
One thing we've done lately is let our guests help in the preparation process. It gives them something to do, is fun, and helps you out as well. This works best if you have a big kitchen (which we don't) so we have to improvise. Once we had a sushi party and I prepared (chopped) all the ingredients before hand and everyone made their own sushi rolls. I've been wanting to do a Panini party next. My mom took to this idea and had a dinner party last weekend where they all made their own gourmet pizzas. The possibities are endless.
Good luck.
P.S. You're a New York enthusiast. Do you know of any good brunch spots in Manhattan? This is the one area where I'm totally clueless. Something about having a toddler prevents a leisurely Saturday morning brunch.
all i can say is, regardless of your take on the whole thing, i sure would like to have been at that brunch.
I learned something about you today. I guess that for me it is easier to have people over because I find it easier to create a meal than to wrestle the demon monkey at a resturant.... so I guess it is all in the perspective.
I am sorry that things didn't work they way you wanted them to...it happens to all of us. The key is to have a few key recipies that you always use (which it sounds like you do...) and rotate friends so one one gets it too many times!!!
Elevensies..that is great. My husband works at 4:00 am, so he heats his lunch by 9:00 am and always has an "elevensies". It isn't as lame when he says it as it just looked..... ha!
You should have a call for recipies, a different one each time..like one month do best brunch recipies, another month do lunches, etc. I have found that the best ones are always from someone elses "best of" pile. When I cater, I ONLY do things that are easy and have lots of do it in advance prep.... I would love to hear what others have up their sleeve....
I am SURE it was great and the alcohol helps.... (I never do centerpieces.....)
My favorite fool-proof brunch item is an egg souffle.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/breakfast-brunch/eggsouffle.html
i read your post and could totally identify. i would love to be the modern june cleaver... but i just don't think it's in the cards for me. I have to work way to hard at all the domesticated/cutesy stuff, it should be much easier. But I have to re-affirm what so many others have alread said... you are definitely domesticated (and I mean that as a compliment). Things may not have been perfect, but it sounds like everyone had a great time, and the centerpieces looked great. thanks for the thoughts...
I have a pretty good egg cassarole on my blog. It is not at all healthy, so be warned. I too am a fan of home entertaining. It makes me feel like a real adult.
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