Brunch Ideas - Including Our Go-To Brunch Recipe - And How To Sharpen Knives

Cooking for a group!

On the third Monday of each month, we take on cooking for others - whether that is ideas for hosting, planning an event, or simply navigating cooking for two when you are used to cooking for one. We will also have a new “how-to” tutorial to help you succeed in your cooking, cleaning, meal prep, and more!

Today, we look at why we love to host and share some of our brunch recipes and suggestions. Plus, Diana shows us how to sharpen knives properly!

We want to know your take on hosting: Do you love it? Hate it? Tolerate it? Share your hosting success stories in the comments! Become a paid subscriber to join the conversation.

I love to cook for others because I love turning people on to good food. Many people I meet think that eating healthy means giving up everything you like. Through my teaching and writing, I have tried to explain that wonderful food can also be good for you – that delicious dishes can conform to the principles of sound nutritional science. But unless you have experienced that, you may not believe it. The best way I can convince you is to serve you food that I make and enjoy.

I am happiest when the guests at my table stop talking and concentrate on the pleasure they are getting from my food. I always share the recipes with them and encourage them to make the dishes on their own.

By the way, my dogs (Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Juno almost 11, Kengo almost 6, and Trooper the new puppy) are always welcome at the table and get to try everything I cook; they like almost all of it.

- Dr. Weil

I love to host and share a good meal with the people I love. We recently had friends over for dinner and made biang biang noodles - a dish I first had with my dad and have been obsessed with ever since. It was a relatively simple night with good friends, but I was so excited that I lost sleep for a few days just thinking about what to cook - planning menus is truly my kind of fun, that’s how much I love menu planning.

These days, having people over at our house feels even more special because it means I can put Elio down for the night and not have to leave the party early. Nights out with him usually mean we’re heading home by 6:15 pm!

While I love hosting, I won’t lie; sometimes, it stresses me out. So, lately I’ve been working on making sure the prep feels just as joyful as the event itself. And that I’m having as much fun as my guests. Otherwise, what’s the point? It doesn’t feel good to be at someone’s house when you can tell they’re overwhelmed by having you over. I’ll admit that I used to want everything to be perfect when hosting. While I’m still a work in progress, I’ve been practicing letting go more: saying yes when someone offers to help and letting the kitchen stay messy for a while. Sometimes, it feels like my nervous system can’t tell the difference between being chased by a bear and having a dirty kitchen - so, this is a big one for me.

I think hosting is really about being together with people you love. Yes, good food adds to the magic - but no one seems to mind even when the meal is a flop (which happens more than I’d like to admit these days, thanks to sleep deprivation and a baby who’s always on the move). What makes a night memorable isn’t flawless execution but laughter, a full belly, and feeling truly welcome and wanted.

A few hosting truths I’m living by:

• Do as much ahead as you can

• Turn on a podcast or some great music while you cook or clean to make it more fun

• Let everyone contribute

• Clean as you go

• Embrace imperfection

• Let the dogs steal a bite or two

- Diana Weil

Spring is a wonderful time to host a brunch for friends and family or to celebrate an event. Plenty of fresh, seasonal produce abounds, so it’s a good time to get creative with dishes. Brunches can be more economical than hosting dinner, and many elements can be made the day before, making for a less stressful hosting opportunity.

We love to cook and host others, and through trial and error, we’ve figured out a few tips that can make brunch a successful, relaxing, and enjoyable gathering for everyone. Try our tips below, and check out one of our favorite vegetable quiche recipes!

Easy Brunch Tips: Build Your Own Meals

Letting people be creative is fun for your guests and makes the prep and timing of your meal a bit easier. Instead of having all the work be on you, let guests “build their own” sweet or savory breakfasts. Try the two below; and if you like breakfast bowls, be sure to check your Friday email for our new member-only recipe, Wild Rice Breakfast Bowls.

Greek Yogurt Bowls

We love Greek yogurt (a good source of protein), and its rich, creamy base is perfect for add ons. Why not offer a buildable Greek yogurt station? You can assemble the ingredients the night before in separate containers, setting them out before guests arrive. We like to include: