How to Plan an Easter Brunch Menu

Hosting an Easter brunch is a fun way to entertain family and friends without the pressure and stress involved with cooking dinner. Follow these steps to plan a brunch menu that's quick and easy, and allows you to enjoy the meal as much as your guests.

Instructions

1. Bake or buy a selection of baked goods to serve to your guests. Good choices include bran or blueberry muffins, fruit pastries and traditional Easter bread.

2. Prepare a fruit salad using in-season fruits. If you plan to make the salad several hours or even a day ahead of time, squeeze some lemon juice on top of the fruit to keep it fresh until you're ready to serve it.

3. Cook a vegetable and cheese frittata to serve as the main course. Spinach and Swiss cheese is a popular combination for this egg-based dish. Serve the fritatta with warm-buttered toast.

4. Plan to serve fresh juice along with your brunch selections. Purchase oranges and grapefruits, and use a juicer to make the juice shortly before your guests arrive.

5. Serve ricotta cake, an Easter brunch favorite, for dessert. Brew some strong and flavorful coffee to accompany the cake.

6. Scatter small bowls of jelly beans and chocolate eggs around the house for your guests to enjoy before or after brunch.

7. Make certain to plan a menu of simple fare for any children attending the Easter brunch. Pancakes and bagels with cream cheese are popular with most kids.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate your table with pastel linens, fresh flowers and dripless candles to complete your Easter brunch preparation.

• If you've invited more than 10 guests, consider serving the brunch buffet-style, which allows for quick and easy access to the dishes you've prepared.

• Make certain that you inquire about any food allergies your guests may have, and adjust your Easter brunch menu accordingly.