Hello. I have some friends coming to brunch this month. It's the first time I've entertained two of them so I'd like to make a good show, making everyone welcome and have them enjoy the food. There will be five of us in total. One can't have pork products, so no bacon or sausage. One can't have caffeine, so no chocolate in anything and decaff coffee. One is on essentially a pregnant woman's diet (because of immuno-sepressants) so no raw fish, rare meat, soft eggs.
My question is: what would you serve in this situation?
I think that a lot of people think of brunch as more of a breakfast meal than a lunch meal, which is fine . . . but I don't mind a lot of lunchy stuff on a brunch menu. Seeing as your guests diets are leaning more toward healthy instead of the "normal" breakfast foods (beacon, sausage, eggs) I would go with more lunchy stuff with a bit of breakfast included. (What time to you plan on serving?)
Suggestions:
Fresh veggie/garden salad or a veggie platter with sliced tomato, cucumber, avocado, pea pods, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted asparagus . . . you get the picture. I think this is a must-have. Dips and dressings on the side.
Along with fresh fruits -- salad or (I would prefer) a platter. Another must-have.
A cheese and meat platter -- I know you said no pork for one guest, but what about some ham (for the other guests) along with beef, turkey and/or chicken slices (roll the slices (or not) to make a pretty platter.) I do think you need some savory choices. A meat and cheese platter would fit the bill.
I would also do a bowl of scrambled eggs on the side. You can "fancy" them up with chives and mushrooms (and mixed-in cream cheese, yum!) Previously posted quiche ideas are great for an egg dish . . . there's only one guest that can't do eggs, so I think you're fine with serving an egg dish as long as there is plenty of other stuff. I wouldn't do an egg dish as a "main" though.
On the bread side:
Crepes are good, but they take some time to make. You don't have to roll them up in anything, just serve a tray of crepes and the guests can build their own with the filling of their choice.
Any chance you have a waffle maker? Waffles are great for brunch because you can use them for bread to make a sandwich with . . . maybe I'm just weird, I loves waffle sandwiches . . . or have a small variety of syrups.
Scones and Pancakes are another suggestion for a great breakfast bread.
If the crepes, waffles, scones or pancakes don't fit your bill, then try to do several different fresh breads with a variety of flavored cream cheeses and butters. If you have a baker in your area (or even the bakery in your grocery store) pick up a whole-wheat, sourdough, rye . . . something different, a small variety . . . or even the Pillsbury poppin-fresh crescent rolls or biscuits. Along with the Pillsbury idea, maybe do a plate of cinnamon buns.
If you're not completely stuffed by this point, maybe add a pound cake with sherbet for dessert. Or just the sherbet.
To drink? OJ, Lemonade, Iced Tea, coffee or hot tea . . . anybody up for a mimosa?
So, now that I've planned your entire menu*
. . . I think that you'll do fine with whatever you choose.
Fresh veggies
Fresh fruit
An egg dish
Meats (of some sort)
Breads
Spreads and dips
Maybe a sweet thing for dessert
*Okay, now I'm really hungry for a good brunch. When was this going down? I'll be waiting for my invite!
