Remember the good old days when brunch was ALWAYS a good idea? The sharing of food is at the core of the human experience of staying connected. Just as much about connecting as it is about survival; we make friends with food, count our blessings with food and court our lovers with food. Even when times are tough the urge for celebration endures.
As social distancing becomes the “new norm” and takeout meals are now the highlight of my day, I miss public life as we have all grown to know it. As many of our biggest moments in life involve preparing or sharing a meal; it was not easy for me to come to terms with the harsh fact that gathering in groups right now is being selfish because it puts the lives of others at risk. Far from being about business as usual, I now recognize social distancing is a responsibility. It’s not about panicking and quarantining to protect one’s self, but to protect others around you.
A weekend tradition for this self-proclaimed foodie, brunch offers a refuge for conversation with good friends over good food. Thanks to Zoom, I don’t have to completely forego indulging in one of my favorite leisurely weekend meals during the “stay-at-home” order. Searching for a sense of normalcy,” I hosted my first virtual brunch on the video conferencing platform. It was the first time all week that I put on lipstick, a bra and socialized over a cup of coffee.
I loved how our new virtual reality allowed us to step away from the conversation about COVID-19 and dedicate an hour to talk about regular life. I had the BEST French toast & salted caramel coffee while chatting from my dining room table with some of my favs across the Tri-State area. We spilled the “quaran-TEA” about Tiger King, Love is Blind, IG Live DJ sets and navigating your work/love life during this time. After spending days in my home alone, I welcomed the light banter and didn’t want that hopeful moment when we were all eating a meal together to end.
How are you keeping sane and connected during these disconcerting times?
BROWN SUGAR CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 croissants
1/2 cup maple syrup & strawberries, warmed
1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon & nutmeg, and set aside briefly.
2. Whip heavy cream and set aside briefly.
3. In a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk together
cinnamon mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour into a shallow container
such as a pie plate. Dip croissant halves in egg mixture. Sprinkle with brown
sugar and fry slices until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side. Scoop
whipped cream on top and garnish with strawberries. Serve with syrup.