Brunch with Friends: Menu Four

So much Brunch with Friends! Technically, Brunch with Friends: Menu Three happened in February but after the big holiday and some serious photo review with guest photographer Dean, the post didn't see the light of the online world until March... which was only days before Brunch with Friends: Menu Four.

I've said before how much I enjoy having brunch with people. Dinners are great but there is something even better about a great brunch - which can lean more to the sweet or to the savoury, depending on your particular inspiration at that moment - where you can spend great time with friends, justify alcohol before the PMs, and say goodbye while still having your entire day ahead of you.

This particular brunch seemed to require a great deal of negotiation. Not with the menu but with disparate and conflicting schedules of the invitees, we booked this brunch in - no lie - January and then had to further tweak the date come March. Finalizing a date and time in the last three days before the proposed date felt like a battle won... then to the quick planning, purchasing, prepping, and prodding... then Brunch.

Crab Salad... or Sandwich

It may have even been months ago now when the discussion of sandwiches came up on the wannafoodie facebook page. Sian described her favourite as crab-salad-on-fresh-crusty-bread. While it may not be your favourite, who's going to say that that doesn't sound appealing? Especially as the days grow warmer and longer, seafood seems to be in high rotation on many dinner circuits. 

Ridiculous Burgers – The Itali-Burger

The Blue Burgers are a hit in my books. But, if you’re not a blue cheese fan, these may be more up your alley.

Tomatoes, basil, red wine… hallmarks of that wonderful, comforting Italian food make these burgers equally wonderful and comforting.

Left – Itali-Burgers ~ Right – Blue Burger

Bacon, Avocado and Sundried Tomato... Salad

Shockingly, I had actually finished an entire loaf of bread (that only happens about once every two months) and had yet to replace it before my next craving for the Bacon, Avocado and Sundried Tomato Sandwich..

So, I had to get a bit more creative than adding cheese or something to the normal sandwich and what I came up with was a salad version of the same sandwich. (Don't worry... I'm certainly not turning into a virtuous salad-eating foodie, as this salad can really not be considered a healthy option.)

I mixed together the key sandwich components (bacon (chopped), avocado (also chopped) and sundried tomatoes) with lettuce and some leftover cooked prawns. For dressing, I drizzled olive oil and lemon juice over everything.

Definitely satisfied the craving.

Love this blog... and the sandwich that is a mainstay.

The Good Mood Food Blog is the brainchild of Donal Skehan... a guy who took his love of food and photography to the web... and, as of October, to print.

I'm still working my way through the recipes, finding it a real challenge to choose what to make from the mouthwatering photos laid out in front of me.

I have, however, several times made a version of Donal's Bacon, Avocado and Sunblushed Tomato Sandwich, which I first discovered courtesy of a friend. I love this sandwich because it seems that I always have the components on hand and, because of that, I am saved from eating microwave popcorn over the kitchen sink when I am feeling supremely lazy.

Use as much or as little of each ingredient as your tastes direct...

I typically walk in the door, turn on the oven and pop a few pieces on bacon on a sheet. While that bakes away, and after I've gone through my just-arrived-home routine, I'll slice an avocado and toast the bread. Onto the warm bread, I will slather on as many sundried tomatoes as I can fit. Top with the bacon, then the slices of avocado, then the second slice of bread.

You can easily give this sandwich a new twist with different cheeses, breads or other fresh ingredients.

This is about the time I will put on a movie, cozy into the couch and dig in...