WEEKEND BRUNCH

FOR 8 GUESTS

The scent of nutty, orange scones will fill the kitchen as your guests arrive at this simple weekend gathering. Greet them with a steaming mug of coffee or a hot pot of tea and they’ll think they’re still dreaming!

Brunch should be a stress-free affair. That’s why we’ve made this menu extra easy and quick to shop for and prepare. The scones can be baked ahead and frozen, then thawed and warmed as guests arrive. You’ll cook the eggs casserole-style, giving you time to set the table as they bake. The asparagus require just 15 minutes to roast, and creamy berry smoothies whip up in minutes. Put the dishes out as a buffet, pass them around the table family-style, or make individual plates for each guest, if you prefer. A great party to host for any sort of informal occasion, a weekend brunch can enhance a housewarming, enliven a neighborhood or book-club meeting, or simply be an excuse to introduce old friends to new.

MENU

Baked Eggs with Spinach and Ham

Roasted Asparagus

Orange-Pecan Scones

Zesty Salad Niçoise

Blueberry-Melon Smoothies

Party Game Plan

Up to 1 month before: Make and freeze scones.

Up to 2 days before: Hard-boil eggs; make salad dressing.

Up to 1 day before: Cut up ham and spinach; blanch green beans.

Day of: Assemble salad; thaw and heat scones; assemble and bake eggs, spinach, and ham; roast asparagus; make smoothies.