Happy New Year's Brunch: Hair of the Dog

I've always wanted to throw a New Year's Day brunch, but sadly this year will not be my year (Greg has to work and I don't want to bartend without him!). However, I did throw a holiday brunch that featured an eggs benedict bar that would be a festive menu for the first day of 2012. Guests built their ideal egg sandwiches on either english muffins or potato pancakes, topped with honey baked ham, lox or spinach, and, of course, poached eggs. Hollandaise was the favored sauce though creme fraiche and chives are a nice option to pair with the lox! If poaching eggs seems intimidating, fry away or do a big batch of scrambled. I'm not a sweets for breakfast person but overnight baked french toast is easy and a perfect vehicle for warm maple syrup. If anyone asks if they can bring anything (bubbly, of course) get them to bring doughnuts...I can't think of a more delicious way to start 2012.

The Menu

sips. necessary

spicy bloody mary's

50/50 mimosas

splash of pomegranate, splash of orange, sparkling

brunch

eggs benedict bar

potato pancake or english muffin

honey baked ham, salmon gravlax or spinach florentine

poached eggs (or scrambled)

hollandaise or chive creme fraiche

spicy greens with winter's citrus & champagne vinaigrette

maple glazed bacon

persimmons, pomegranate seeds & mint

cranberry orange scones with jam & butter

sticky buns

chocolate doughnuts

(ideally, assorted doughnut holes!!)