Foodie Friday: An End-of-Summer Brunch

Analiese is a writer, yogini, and aspiring organic chef, based in the Washington, DC area. She writes about food, wellness, and creativity on her blog, Tulips & Tea.

Bonjour fellow tranquilistas!
I'm excited to be back with my second Foodie Friday post.  In case you missed it, last month I mused on creating a tranquil farmers' market experience.  I hope you enjoyed perusing your local markets as much as I did this summer!

Speaking of summer, now's the perfect time to celebrate these few remaining weeks by hosting an end-of-summer brunch. Whether you're entertaining two guests or twenty, fresh ingredients honor the season's bounty and provide a colorful spread for a casual late-morning gathering.

Le Menu
Mix fresh white nectarine bellinis. Pass pitchers of H2O infused with fresh mint or berries. Offer your tea-sipping guests a choice of freshly brewed chai or herbal tea, with soy milk and agave nectar on the side.

Use gorgeous heirloom tomatoes in a tomato and goat cheese tart. Top hearty multi-grain waffles with blackberries or slices of fresh organic peach, dollops of mascarpone, and drizzles of honey. Pick up an assortment of artisan baked goods from your local bakery or farmers' market, or try making your own savory scones. Toss baby greens with diced beets and zucchini, chopped walnuts, and a lemon shallot viniagrette for a colorful and healthy salad.

Finishing Touches
If you have access to a rooftop, or yard, host your fête outdoors. Decorate with fresh flowers in colorful glass jars, and play summery tunes to create a festive atmosphere.  Set the table with organic cotton napkins and reduce waste by using your own plates and silverware, instead of paper or plastic.  

Savor the delicious flavors of season and the company of your guests.  Bon appétit

!

Photo by Emily Carlin.