Merry Brunch - Mother Russia Brunch

Looking for a new brunch theme for the holidays? 

Want to have a Christmas day brunch instead of the traditional dinner? The past few years I decided that instead of the typical Christmas day meal we would have an entrée of beef tenderloins, asparagus and smashed (mashed) potatoes, and shrimp cocktail for an appetizer.  This works well for when you have men around, however when getting together with your Girlie Pies you may want to have some chick food.

 From VOL II of our magazine is a simple brunch menu for what we call Mother Russia Brunch

       Snack - Caviar with Blinis
Now I buy Romanoff Caviar, which obviously is not expensive, in red and black, and I make my own blinis. Think small pancakes almost as thin as crepes.

      Sweet - Russian Tea Cakes
I use the Betty Crocker recipe for Russian Tea Cakes.  Super easy recipe with flour, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Nuts optional.  To make them Red, I use Edible Hybrid Petal Dust.

Drink  - Red Sparkling Wine & Kousmichoff Tea
My first encounter with Red Sparkling wine was in the Russian restaurant Mari Vanna in NYC.  I noticed the beautiful color in a glass being served to another patron, which makes it ever so enticing, and  I had to try it. The Kousmichoff tea -  History of the brand Kusmi tea is 140 years old, and it begins in St Petersburg, Russia.  Pairs well with sweets or alone.

       Drink like a Russian - Beluga Vodka
  Noble Russian Vodka made in Siberia.  Smooth with a nonburning taste.

While this is not a full menu, it is simply three of my favorite delicacies if you will. Wine, Caviar and Russian Tea Cakes!  For add-ons think olives, strawberries and bread with butter and cheese.

Red Sparkling Wine

Fiorini Corte Attimi Lambrusco Rose  from $13 a bottle at Amanti Vino in Montclair, NJ