Let’s do brunch

All this talk of springtime has me eyeing up the outdoor living space and pensively moving some of the dining out of doors. Of course, there is still a real nip in the air, so the only real time to enjoy eating al fresco is in the late morning sunshine. And as winter sports draw to a close, it is time to reinstate the leisurely weekend brunch.

Swap the manic scramble for soccer boots and brollies for an hour or so sharing a meal with your nearest and dearest.

A brunch party is the ideal way to entertain, in my book. It is nondiscriminating, in that everyone can attend – babies aren’t napping, parents don’t have to drive home in the dark, teens have dragged themselves from their beds and parents have had time to have a shower and scrape together something casual but glamorous. Brunch is achievable. The ingredients don’t have to cost a fortune. You can manage to put together a delicious meal with the minimum of cookery skills.

It is perfect for enjoying as a buffet or even finger food, so very little in the way of fancy dinnerware is required, you really can just focus on enjoying a meal together and getting a great start to the day.

A good brunch should be packed with nutrients: plenty of protein, fibre and fresh fruit and vegetables where you can.

Take some all-time family favourites and load them with wholesome ingredients for a nutritious meal, rounded out with fresh fruit and homemade juices.