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All-Time Best Recipe Series

All-Time Best Brunch

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BUILD THE PERFECT BRUNCH

Everybody loves brunch. Whether you have an insatiable sweet tooth or wake up hungry for a meaty, satisfying hash or crave eggs in any and all forms, there’s no denying the appeal of that leisurely, indulgent weekend meal, the perfect time to take things slow and just enjoy. For the host, however, orchestrating the perfect brunch can be a daunting juggling act. From overcooked eggs to underproofed pastry, the challenges of pulling off a memorable brunch can quickly add a lot of stress to what should be a relaxing, laid-back affair.

Here in the test kitchen, we are firm believers in homemade brunch, and we know it doesn’t have to be a maddening odyssey to get there. That’s why we created this collection. Through these 75 expertly tested recipes, we make the case that brunch is better at home, and that hosting this meal is a rewarding, doable endeavor.

Cheese Souffle
Blueberry Swirl Muffins
Ham and Cheese Waffles

Consider our French Toast Casserole. This simple recipe was tailor-made for a lazy Sunday, delivering everything we love about traditional French toast—rich custard, crisp- creamy bread, and the sweet, spiced notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—in a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole that can be assembled a day in advance. Or if you’re an egg lover, give our innovative Huevos Rancheros a try. Our version streamlines brunch by building a simple sauce on a sheet pan and then clearing out wells in which we cook the eggs. Saucy, spicy, and rich, this one-pan meal is deeply satisfying; plus, it leaves your stovetop free for preparing quick sides like our crisp Hash Browns or searing our perfectly seasoned Homemade Breakfast Sausage, an effortless recipe that can be frozen up to a month ahead of time.

And those wobbly eggs Benedict you thought you could enjoy only at a restaurant? We make them entirely accessible with a stable, failproof hollandaise and easy-to-poach eggs, both of which can be refrigerated for up to three days before serving. Pair them with a crisp, fresh side like our Tricolor Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette or Roasted Asparagus with Mint-Orange Gremolata and you’ve got a bistro-caliber brunch. And with recipes like our simple but stately Leek and Goat Cheese Quiche, our superstreamlined Croque Monsieurs, and our one-skillet Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs on hand, you can confidently offer your guests fresh, flavorful homemade upgrades to all the brunch basics.

Croque Monsieur
Brunch beverages
Salmon Cakes

Across these chapters, we share the best of Cook’s Illustrated’s brunch know-how through recipes that work for any and every occasion. With extensive make-ahead instructions, simple recipes for everything from cold brew coffee to bubbly cocktails, and a range of syrups and toppings to finish off even the simplest spread with finesse, this book has everything you need to make your home kitchen the newest brunch hot spot.

On Sale September 4, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-945256-60-8
$22.99 US / $29.99 CAN
192 pages, hardcover, four-color throughout
BUY NOW: Amazon | IndieBound | Books-A-Million

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For A Laid-Back Affair All-Time Best Brunch

Brunches come in all shapes and sizes, from casual to refined, intimate to sprawling. In this collection, you'll find that we've broken down the meals into a few basic lanes you can follow—but in the end, we hope that you'll rememember there's no wrong way to brunch.