Brunch

Pear, pinenut and vanilla cakes with creme anglaise

To round off brunch, treat friends to a hot frothy coffee and a warm, tender mini pear cake partnered with smooth vanilla custard.

Tuscan ox tongue terrine

Yes tongue - now that's a dish from our grandmothers past or maybe you have never tried it - but do. Tongue is not dissimilar in taste to corned beef and its easy to turn into a snazzy terrine with flavours of olives, capers and sundried tomatoes. Great with crackers, a sandwich or served with salad.

Fresh salmon croquettes

Grilled banana and peach parcels

Smoked salmon and gruyere rosti

Easy chocolate croissants

Rich and decadent, these croissants will be a huge hit. Best served with strong coffee flavoured with a few cardamom pods or a cinnamon stick. And try the rich almond croissants - delicious!

Spanish chicken livers

If you'd like to move on from the traditional bacon and eggs, go Spanish with these spiced-up chicken livers in a sherry sauce. They can be served on chunky toast slices, in warmed pastry cases or on top of a baked potato or kumara.

Quick-baked potatoes

Using the microwave, baked potatoes can be cooked in one-third of the time of a conventional oven and still have that crispy crust. When cut open to reveal the steaming hot, fluffy baked flesh, they make a generous base for a brunch-style topping, especially on cooler days. Pictured here with Spanish chicken livers.

Ham and tarragon self-crusting quiche

This quiche, with its crispy brown crust-like top, is an easy-to-make-brunch-time treat.

Spinach And Feta Rolls

Use a classic spanakopita filling to make these filo rolls. They're ideal for those who prefer a light brunch.

Cafe Beef Nachos

Hot Smoked Salmon And Olive Pizza

Mini Egg And Pancetta Or Bacon Tarts

An egg and bacon variation on the Mini Goat’s Cheese Tarts With Grilled Asparagus

Mini Goat’s Cheese Tarts With Grilled Asparagus

With brunch we often look for ways to serve eggs, bacon and or salmon or fish. These tarts fit the bill, being easy to make, yet special enough for Christmas day.

Spinach Omelette

We often forget that with eggs in the house, you always have an instant meal.

Red Pepper And Tomato Relish

Make this when red peppers are in season they are full of flavour and cheaper.