My Favorite Sunday Brunch

Here is your reward for waking up.

Happy Sunday!

Let’s wake up to the smell of buttermilk waffles, topped with fresh berries, vanilla bean chantilly cream, and candied maple bacon. Sound good? I thought so.

Brunch is my favorite meal, mainly because it’s a perfect blend of savory of sweet. But you know me, sweet always takes precedence.

I’m sharing my favorites to create the ultimate brunch spread, guaranteed to finish off your weekend right. These recipes can easily be paired with other dishes, like scrambled eggs with fresh herbs or eggs Benedict. But to me, this menu covers something for every taste.

Brew some fresh coffee, squeeze some orange juice, and warm up some pure maple syrup. You’re in for a treat.

Classic Buttermilk Waffles

Serves 6

You’ll need:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1. Preheat the waffle maker. I use a Gourmia and I love it.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Stir in the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and melted butter. Stir till just blended and no more dry spots remain in the bowl, but don’t over mix.

4. Brush the waffle maker with butter or non-stick baking spray. Pour about ¾ cup of batter in the center. Close and cook for about 2 ½ minutes, till it’s a nice golden brown.

5. Repeat with the remaining batter.

6. Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven till ready to serve.

7. Serve with mixed berries, chantilly cream, and pure maple syrup.

Candied Maple Bacon

Serves 6

You’ll need:

• 1 lb thick cut bacon

• ¼ pure maple syrup

• Dash of black pepper (optional, but delicious)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a thick rimmed baking sheet with foil and a baking rack.

2. Arrange the bacon on the baking rack in a single layer, trying not to overlap. With a pastry brush, brush one side with maple syrup. Sprinkle with a dash of black pepper, if using.

3. Roast the bacon for 10 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and flip the bacon to the other side. Brush the other side with maple syrup and a dash of black pepper. Roast about 10 minutes more, or to desired crispness.

4. Serve immediately, alongside waffles.

Vanilla Bean Chantilly Cream

You’ll need:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold

• 1/8 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

1. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip on high for a few minutes till soft peaks begin to form.

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste. Whip for a minute or two longer till stiff peaks form. Be very careful not to over whip! Serve immediately.

Enjoy!