Weekend Cooking: Boozy Brunch by Peter Joseph

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Here's my question: Is there really anyone who doesn't love brunch? Especially when it's part of a lazy day and involves a drink. Seriously, what's better than a casual meal with family or friends, at home or a restaurant, in the middle of the morning?

I caught my first glimpse of Peter Joseph's Boozy Brunch at BookExpo America (BEA) last June, and one look was all it took. I knew it was a book for me.

First off, I adore Salma Knalil's photography. The photos are taken from fun angles and showcase a terrific collection of glassware. If you could see the photo of the Chocolate Chip and Bacon Pancakes (yeah, you read that right) with the maple syrup dripping down the sides, you'd be in the kitchen right this second. I mean it.

I also love the design of Boozy Brunch, especially the color palette. Earthy colors dominate the coffee and tea drinks, and fiery colors are used for the Bloody Mary variations. Cool blues for tropicals, and golden for Champagne.

It's clear that Peter Joseph is someone you want to know. In a slip of book, he's packed a wealth of knowledge about daytime drinks and indulgent meals all meant to be enjoyed in the most laid-back settings. Yeah, he tells you how to make the flaming garnish for a Ritz Cocktail, but instead of thinking it's pretentious, you really just can't wait to try this out for your best friend . . . on the deck so you don't burn down the house while you both collapse in laughter.

And how's this for pure brilliance: The Bloody Mary Buffet. This is a "make-your-own Bloody Mary spread" so all your friends and family can create individual versions of the perfect, classic daytime drink. It sounds like so much fun that I'm hoping for at least one more warm Sunday so I can invite the neighbors over for a fall deck party.

And no worries about what to serve because Joseph hasn't forgotten that brunch involves food as well as drink. What would I make for that deck party? The Full English Breakfast Quiche, with its pork sausage and mustardy crust and Egg and Cheese Strata, which has got to be the easiest brunch dish ever. I kind of made the Roast Beef Hash last weekend, but I had leftover lamb and a slightly different veggie combo than the recipe Joseph provides, but really this a dish that begs for a "come as you are" invitation: sweet potatoes, warm spices, chopped roast meat all topped with a fried egg.

Peter Joseph's Boozy Brunch is the weekend companion you've been dreaming of. Whether your tastes run toward a Champagne cocktail, a Bartender's Breakfast, or a Salty Dog, you'll find the right match for your kind of Sunday morning.

The perfect drink for that hash I made? I picked the Bloody Marie. What can I say, I saw Pernod, and I came running.

Bloody Marie

1 drink

• 1½ ounces vodka
• 3 ounces tomato juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Dash Worcestershire sauce
• Dash Pernod absinthe
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice cubes. Shake well and strain into a racks glass or tumbler with a cube of ice.

Buy Boozy Brunch at an Indie, at Powell's, at Book Depository, or at bookstore near you. These links lead to affiliate programs.
Published by Rowman & Littlefield /Taylor Trade Publishing, 2012
ISBN-13: 9781589796782
Rating: A
Source: Review (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)