A Christmas Brunch

This week I had a Christmas brunch for 20 friends. This is just a short post to show you what I served and how I set up for it. There is a link for each of the recipes if you decide you want to try any of them. Preparation is the key to feeding a large group. I do as much as I can to set up the day before. That means putting out the plates, silverware, napkins, drinking glasses, coffee cups, water pitcher, serving platters,...You get the picture. 

Here is what I served:

Since it was a casual brunch, I set up a couple of serving areas in my kitchen. The drinks were in one area, the desserts in another, and the food was served on the island.

I was able to make the casserole the day before, so all I had to do that morning was to make the fruit salad, assemble and cook the coffee cake, and heat the casserole. All the desserts were made ahead of time. The best part about planning ahead and taking the time to prepare as much as you can ahead of time, is that the morning is stress free and I was able to enjoy visiting with all my friends. i was part of the party rather than being the person working in the kitchen the whole time. For me, that's a successful party.

I'll keep you posted...

Lynn

Katy's Butterscotch Brownies with Maple Frosting

When i was a child I wanted to grow up to be Katy. Katy was my mom's best friend and she represented everything I dreamed I would be when I was an adult. First of all, she was an artist with a talent that I envied. She was also funny and beautiful and creative.

I got this recipe from her over 30 years ago and it still gets raves reviews every time I make it. Don't skip the step to brown the butter for the frosting because it gives it a flavor that is incredible. Here's what you'll need:

  • 4 TBL melted butter
  • 1 C dark brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ C flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • ¼ C coconut
  • ½ C chopped nuts

For the frosting:

  • ½ C butter
  • ½ C brown sugar
  • ¼ C milk
  • 2 C confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 tsp maple extract

Mix the first 9 ingredients and spread into a buttered 8x8 pan. It will be a thick batter so just press it around with your hands.

Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes until set.

Cool completely.

While the brownie is cooling, melt butter until brown. Add the brown sugar and cook until sugar is melted. It won't completely dissolve, just stir it until it comes together. Now add the milk, stir and cool.

Once it's cool, add the confectioner’s sugar and maple extract and beat until thick.

Spread on cooled brownies.

Enjoy!

Lynn