April 2013
Eventually in small cities, you discover everyone is connected. For dating, this can often be a nuisance, but for friendships, these connections exponentially increase the amazing people in your world and at your table. In this case, I met Bess through vintage wares and Cassie through yoga poses, and then I discovered they both knew each other as well. That chain of connections was just cause for a sunny brunch!
There’s something about the bright, tartness of grapefruit that fits the often cold, yet sunny, transition from winter to spring, so this brunch was all about grapefruit!
Berry Beet Stackers
Layer The Following:
Slices of Roasted Beet
Slices of Pink Lady Apple
Slices of Blueberry Goat Cheese
Drizzle with Orange Chocolate Balsamic Sauce
Orange Chocolate Balsamic Sauce
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 pure cane sugar
1 bar (3.5 oz) Lindt Intense Orange Dark Chocolate
Combine balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat, and stir in chocolate. Leave to cool at room temperature.
Bruléed Grapefruit
Yields 1-2 servings
Ingredients
1 ripe grapefruit, cut in half
2 Tablespoons organic brown sugar, packed
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of ground cardamom
Directions
Loosen grapefruit segments slightly with a paring knife or spoon, cutting only an inch down. Place grapefruits cut side up onto a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and spices. Spread evenly over the top of the halved grapefruits.
Place the baking sheet on the top shelf of the oven and broil the grapefruits for 4-6 minutes, or until the sugar has completely melted. Watch very closely to prevent burning!
Serve immediately with a dollop of honey-whipped mascarpone cheese or homemade whipped cream for fancier brunch occasions. Serve with a dollop of plain, Greek yogurt for a tangy, delicious, weekday breakfast!
Whole-wheat, Grapefruit & Basil Olive Oil Cake (recipe to follow in a subsequent post) & sparkling grapefruit soda.
New friends can often trigger old memories and fill a table with laughter. One of our discussions was about the very memorable and ridiculous punishments we experienced as adolescents. What are yours?
Cassie is the proud owner of the Twenty-Four Hour Woman day calendar, and she thought these dates best represented me. Note to self: bake more pies naked!
On a fully clothed note to self: hang out with these awesome women even more!
