Garden Book Club Brunch with Coffee Bar

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Today I’m sharing a storybook – or book club spring brunch to celebrate the arrival of spring. Gather your girlfriends and find a reason to celebrate – friendship, spring, anything!

I went to our local used bookstore and bought vintage books for $2 or less – old books have the sweetest book titles! I also found the paper mache fruits and veggies at a hospice thrift shop! I headed to Walmart to pick up a few party supplies, flowers, fresh fruit, coffee and creamery, then headed through my local Dunkin’ Donuts® drive thru and ordered a dozen assorted donuts – because what’s a coffee bar without donuts?

I thought a coffee bar setup would be great for a brunch – it’s self serve and guests can make them as needed so it’s hot and fresh! I brought Mr. Wonderful’s Keurig® outside, and set Dunkin’ K-Cup® packs for Keurig® K-Cup® with Dunkin’ Donuts® Coffee Creamer Singles.

Instead of flavored sugary syrups, I like that these are portable and don’t require refrigeration.

The creamer singles comes in three flavors – hazelnut, caramel, and vanilla.

Obviously donuts were on the menu, and what else? This broccoli bake, recipe at the end of this post.

When it comes to a brunch there are so many options – but I think having at least one good main hearty dish is a good idea and perfect to pair with coffee! I got this recipe from one of my best girlfriends – girlfriends have the best recipes don’t they?

Broccoli Cheese Bake Recipe

If you want to prepare early, assemble and keep in fridge up to 12 hours before baking.

Ingredients – serves 8

• Dozen eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 lb. broccoli, steamed and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups sourdough bread (torn into 1/2 pieces)
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 2/3 cup bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1 + 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 glass baking dish and set aside. Mix bread crumbs, parsley and butter in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3+ 4

In a large bowl mix eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper; set aside. Boil or steam broccoli until tender, chop.

Step 5

In a small skillet, heat up oil, add  onions and garlic on medium heat,saute until tender. Add rosemary and continue to cook for a few minutes.

Add to the egg mixture.

Assemble dish

Take sour dough bread pieces and spread along bottom of baking dish. Add broccoli and spread along the bottom of the dish.

Pour egg mixture over the top and set in the refrigerator anywhere from 2-12 hours (if preparing to bake and serve the next day).

Bake

Add bread crumb mixture to top and bake at 350 degrees F, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Add parmesan cheese on top and continue to bake until top is golden, about 10-15 minutes.

Serve immediately. 

For more ideas, click here and plan your own event – who needs an occasion? The weather is perfection!