Holiday Fusion: Easter Brunch

Holidays. Each family has traditions and the most important is being together. So, when we make the commitment to host a holiday, how do we combine different families, their time honored traditions, beloved dishes and keep the true meaning of the celebration? This is my welcomed challenge.

My experience on the subject thus far includes a Halloween Harvest party, Christmas Day 2009 and now, Easter 2010. My parents and immediate family will join my husbands' for a wonderful Easter brunch celebration at our home. We decided about a month ago to host and I began planning my menu then. For me, that's the most important part. There are vital elements to consider. First, the classic dishes, then the traditional cuisine that means something very important to each family and finally, a new and exciting addition to the holiday table. This is the "holiday fusion" that creates a memorable day.

For the past few years, our family has gone out for a delightful brunch. That's always great, but the relaxation feeling and the time factor are always the downfalls. How can I be sure those same delicious foods are included that usually cost us over $50 per person but give the comfort of home? Welcome to Adventure Girl's Easter Brunch!

The table is beautiful and inviting. I'm using an eclectic look with dishes and set three different plate styles with linen napkins; fresh flowers that show off pastels as well as bold colors in pottery vases; ivory tapers in crystal candlesticks complement the ivory table cloth; and place settings are marked with plastic eggs labeled with each guests name and an inspirational message on them. An Italian instrumental CD will be playing in the background because it's my favorite music for dining and I know that both sides of the family will appreciate it.

Most importantly, here's the menu that I fused together with descriptions where necessary:

• Stuffed french toast
• Easter meat pie especially made by my grandmother as a family tradition
• Spring mix greens with blue cheese, cranberries, mushrooms and organic green beans
• Chicken Franchaise
• Ham with fig balsamic glaze as a new twist on a classic from the Williams- Sonoma Bride & Groom Entertaining Guide (Thanks, Nicole!)
• Roasted asparagus with almonds (again as a new twist instead of a Hollandaise) from Food & Wine Magazine
• Pasteria, which is a new baked pasta recipe for me but a traditional Naples dish that I know all family members will appreciate. (Special thanks to my colleagues, Rosalie and Don!)
• Kielbasa and Saurkraut- my husband's family tradition
• Beets with hard boiled eggs (also a great recipe from my mother-in-law)
• Fresh fruit with yogurt dip
• Spice cake with creamed cheese
• Cheesecake

Beverages will include:

• Mimosas
• White wine
• Manhattans
• Earl Grey Iced Tea
• Keurig Coffees

I look forward to this hosting experience and to again enjoy a special holiday in our home!