Herb Garden Brunch
by Karin CallowayMay is the perfect month for dining outdoors throughout the U.S. Things are warming up in the northern states and the heat isn’t oppressive yet in the South. So, head outside to dine on this month’s Herb Garden Brunch that’s loaded with the fresh flavors of spring!
Our menu for May starts off with a crisp, cool Cucumber-Cantaloupe Salad with Orange-Vanilla Syrup that features a hit of mint. Mascarpone Polenta with Grape Tomato Sauce is a meatless main with flavorful grape tomatoes and fresh basil atop creamy polenta. A side of Maple Breakfast Meatballs will please the meat eaters in the group, and a citrus-spiked Blueberry-Orange Coffee Cake will become a family favorite.
Most of the menu items can be prepared at least partially in advance, allowing you to enjoy the meal, too. Invite friends over to share this leisurely brunch on the patio or under a shady tree, or serve it up in honor of Mother’s Day.
Recipes:
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Blueberry-Orange Coffee Cake
I’ve shared my favorite Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe on this site, but recently I’ve revisited the recipe and come up with a luscious variation in my Blueberry-Orange Coffee Cake.More. -
Cucumber-Cantaloupe Salad with Orange-Vanilla Syrup
Cool cantaloupe is delicious served at breakfast or brunch, but add fresh cucumber and flavor-infused orange syrup and you’ve got something truly special.More. -
Maple Breakfast Meatballs
Meatballs for breakfast? I found the idea intriguing when I discovered them on a bed and breakfast website. And, after toying with the recipe, I discovered that the simplest variation was the best, but would be even better with a sweet kick of maple syrup.More. -
Mascarpone Polenta with Grape Tomato Sauce
When you call it cornmeal mush or Italian grits there’s not much allure. But when you call it polenta, cook it in chicken broth and stir in some creamy mascarpone cheese, well, I call it heaven.More.