Metro - Elevated Summer Brunch Made Easy

Brunch in Toronto can be troublesome - pricey, highly caloric dishes and then there’s the long lineups. Why wait for an overpriced, too sweet, mediocre brekkie when you can create a memorable, elegant meal at home with ease?

It’s so easy when you’ve got the right ingredients at hand.

As asparagus comes into season and is a fantastic source of folate (folic acid, a B vitamin that helps prevent liver disease and promote blood cell formation), it’s a great time to highlight the versatile veg:

Ham Asparagus Rolls are a breeze to pull together, yet look so sophisticated. Want something a little heartier? Eggs Benedict with Prosciutto and Roasted Asparagus and Penne, Asparagus and Ham Frittata are chic options.

Fresh cedar plank salmon is also a grand choice that takes little prep, but looks so refined. You can even make this the evening before and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Brunch just isn’t complete without bacon, but no need to set out boring strips – Bacon and Olive Muffins make dashing accompaniments.

Pear Compote With Vanilla Tea completes the meal with refinement. Not only can it be made days beforehand; it can be jarred and given as gifts to guests as they depart.

Along with stylish napkins, refreshing punch or iced tea, fresh coffee (South African Burnt Coffee is a fun twist on the usual cuppa) and a pretty tabletop decoration, be sure to have Irresistibles Dijon Mustard to pair with dishes.

Brunch doesn’t have to be a lot of work. But if it happens to look like it was, well, that’s not entirely a bad thing.

For more brunch recipes, go to Metro.ca.