By Hilary Meyer [2], March 24, 2010 - 11:04am
I’m hosting Easter brunch this year. As if looking through my billions of brunch recipes [6] trying to decide what to make wasn’t enough of a challenge, I’m also putting a cap on how much I spend. Budget-friendly recipes [7] are a must. Can I really pull off holiday entertaining on a budget? I can, if I choose my menu wisely.
This year, I’ll skip the expensive spiral ham I usually serve and make a frittata with ham in it instead. That way I can still have ham (what’s a brunch without ham?!) but I can buy it in a smaller quantity. I’m going to keep it simple, but it’s still going to be delicious—I bet my guests won’t even notice the difference.
Here’s my budget brunch menu:
Strawberry-Orange Muffin [8] (32 cents per muffin) We love the combination of strawberry and orange in this sweet breakfast muffin with a streusel topping. For a less conventional (but equally delicious) twist, try the basil variation. The hint of basil complements the fruity berries wonderfully.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus [9] (84 cents per serving) These prosciutto-wrapped bundles of grilled asparagus are a delicious addition to a spring brunch or elegant dinner.
Couscous, Lentil & Arugula Salad with Garlic-Dijon Vinaigrette [10] ($2.17 per serving) This hearty combination of whole-wheat couscous and lentils perched atop a lightly dressed bed of arugula makes a tasty vegetarian main-course salad. The lemony vinaigrette is especially good for bringing out the spicy notes of the arugula.
Green Eggs & Ham Frittata [11] ($1.14 per serving) Our version of green eggs and ham is full of spinach, leeks and dill, along with ham and havarti cheese. Serve with: Roasted red potatoes or hash browns.
What are you favorite crowd-pleasing brunch recipes? Tell us what you think below.
TAGS: Hilary Meyer [2], Food Blog [12], Budget meals [13], Entertaining [14], Family meals [15], Lunch [16]
EatingWell Associate Food Editor Hilary Meyer spends much of her time in the EatingWell Test Kitchen, testing and developing healthy recipes. She is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute.
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[4] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/how_to_host_a_delicious_easter_brunch_on_a_budget
[5] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/how_to_host_a_delicious_easter_brunch_on_a_budget?section=comments#tabs
[6] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_brunch_recipes
[7] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_budget_friendly_recipes
[8] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/strawberry_orange_muffins.html
[9] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/prosciutto_wrapped_asparagus.html
[10] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/couscous_lentil_arugula_salad_with_garlic_dijon_vinaigrette.html
[11] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/green_eggs_ham_frittata.html
[12] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_topics/food_blog
[13] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/budget_meals
[14] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/entertaining
[15] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/family_meals
[16] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/lunch
[17] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/meat_lover_s_quinoa_veggie_burger
[18] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/277288?section=comments#tabs
[19] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/healthy_spring_salad_recipe_with_fresh_peas_and_crispy_fried_shallots
[20] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/277219?section=comments#tabs
[21] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/vegetarian_thai_red_curry
[22] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/276919?section=comments#tabs
[23] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/how_to_make_cream_sauce_without_cream
[24] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/276908?section=comments#tabs
[25] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/3_diy_tortilla_tricks_how_to_make_your_own_taco_shells_taco_bowls_and_tortilla_chips
[26] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/276907?section=comments#tabs
[27] http://www.eatingwell.com/user
[28] http://www.eatingwell.com/print/15653
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