Fuel your day


After hibernating indoors during the colder months, it’s good to get out with friends, and Christchurch Cup Week is a sure-fire signal for many to do just this.

Breakfast or brunch is an enjoyable way to start the day, especially if trots or gallops are on the agenda later. Having your event catered will guarantee success, although that rules out spur-of-the-moment gatherings.

Talk to one of the city’s array of quality catering firms early, and sort what style of menu you’d like. Remember, breakfast/brunch is the start to your day, putting fuel in your tank to get you through the hours ahead.

An amazing brunch menu for a home gathering offers options that are just as delicious as those in restaurants, options such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelettes, smoked salmon bagels, cereal, fresh fruit, croissants, crepes, muffins, pastries, and similar.

Great food is complemented by the best drinks, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer. A brunch punch, or cocktails, such as Kir Royale, Sangria lemonade, Mimosa, strawberry Margarita, Bellini, Bloody Mary, or classic Champagne will help start the day with a buzz. Irish, liqueur, or freshly brewed coffees will add a hit of energy, and don’t forget freshly squeezed orange juice.

For those who love to graze, consider antipasto platters, heaped full of succulent meats, seasonal fruits, delicious cheeses, and even a few decadent chocolates. English muffins are a delicious crowd-pleaser, and enjoyable any time of the day, toasted, slathered with your favourite spread, or substituted for burger buns, pizza bases, or bread.

English Muffins – Makes 14

INGREDIENTS
• 330g all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 Tsp fast acting yeast
• 1 Tsp salt • 2 Tbsp sugar
• 180ml milk • 120ml water
• 3 Tbsp butter, melted • 1 egg large, room temperature
• Cornmeal or semolina for dusting

METHOD
1. Combine milk, water, and sugar in a bowl. Mix together and warm slightly in microwave. Add yeast and stir.
2. Set aside for 5-7 minutes, until a foamy head develops.
3. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, and whisk together.
4. Stir the egg and melted butter into the milk mix, slowly add the liquid to the flour mixture, then increase mixer speed to medium high until the dough is elastic and smooth.
5. Transfer to a large oiled bowl, cover and allow to double in size in a warm spot (about an hour).
6. Turn dough out onto to a floured counter, spread and pat down until it’s 2-3cm thick. Line two trays with baking paper and sprinkle with cornmeal or semolina.
7. Use a 70mm round cutter to cut out muffins. Place on trays in warm spot, cover, and leave about 30 minutes to rise.
8. Cook in skillet on low heat, after sprinkling the surface with cornmeal or semolina. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes then flip and repeat.

Tags:
Previous Post

Inspired by Bridgerton

Next Post

Fashionable apparel with Jane Coleman

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *