Wanting to make parents feel special is always a good idea. Spending quality time together on occasions like Father’s Day allows one to plan a fun day together. Food in India is and has always been a major part of celebrations. If the idea is to plan a surprise for Father’s Day, then cooking a meal at home can be a good idea.
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Unlike breakfast, which can be rushed, or dinner, which might be late, brunch is perfectly timed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, usually spanning a few hours. A Sunday brunch will also allow a wide variety of food to be brought to the table. The combination of breakfast and lunch foods allows for a diverse menu that can be customised as per taste and dietary restrictions. Dishes can range from sweet pastries and pancakes to savoury eggs and salads.
To start with, pick a theme for the brunch and plan a menu around it. You can use themed napkins, plates, and tablecloths to set a festive tone. A bouquet of fresh flowers as a centrepiece at the table will add a professional touch. To make the experience even more special, place a handwritten menu card on the table.
Setting up a station where one can decorate pancakes or build their own sandwiches together may be fun. Family games or activities can also be part of the experience.
The Drinks
The brunch can begin with Mimosas, a classic champagne and orange juice cocktail or Bloody Marys with tomato juice, vodka, and a mix of spices, garnished with celery, olives, and pickles. For non-alcoholic options, freshly Squeezed Juices such as Orange, grapefruit, or mixed berry juice or a selection of brewed coffee and teas, hot or cold, can also be great options.
The Food
For a theme-based brunch, the possibilities are endless. All you need to do is be sure to choose something that’s easy to execute and matches the food preferences of your dad. Here are a few simple Sunday brunch themes to choose from.
Classic American Style Brunch
The menu can include pancakes or waffles, served with a variety of toppings such as fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, and nuts. Any style of eggs, perfectly scrambled, sunny-side-up eggs, or even an omelette, can be part of the menu. Also, add crispy hash browns or home fries seasoned with herbs and a fresh fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits like melons, berries, and citrus.
Mediterranean Style Brunch
For this menu, cook a Shakshuka, poached eggs in a spicy tomato and bell pepper sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. Add a Greek Salad with a refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and red onions with a lemon-oregano dressing. Homemade or store-bought hummus served with warm pita bread and crispy falafel balls served with a tangy yoghurt sauce would also go well with this theme.
Mexican Style Brunch
For this theme, think Huevos Rancheros, fried eggs served on corn tortillas topped with a tomato-chilli sauce, black beans, and avocado or Chilaquiles, tortilla chips cooked in salsa and topped with cheese, sour cream, and a fried egg. Simple Breakfast Burritos filled with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese, along with a fresh mango salsa served with tortilla chips, can also be added.
Asian-Inspired Brunch
For fans of Asian food, the brunch can begin with a variety of steamed dumplings, buns, and rolls. Congee, a savoury rice porridge served with various toppings like shredded chicken, scallions, and soy sauce, Vietnamese Spring Rolls filled with veggies, herbs, and vermicelli noodles or other options to think of.
Healthy Brunch
For those watching the calories, the Avocado Toast, where a whole grain toast is topped with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of sea salt, chilli flakes, and a squeeze of lime, is easy to make. Smoothie Bowls with toppings like granola, fresh fruits, and chia seeds, a Quinoa Salad with roasted vegetables, and a lemon vinaigrette and Greek Yoghurt Parfaits made with layers of Greek yoghurt, honey, granola, and fresh berries are other healthy options for this brunch.
Desserts
Brunches and most celebrations are incomplete without something sweet. Add mini tarts or cheesecakes to whichever menu you choose. A Chocolate Fondue, where you dip fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels into melted chocolate and warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing can also be options to choose from.