2011_05_03-Brunch07.jpgI spoke to my mother last night and asked her if we were still on for brunch at my house for Mother's Day. "Well yes!" she said. "What do you want me to bring?"

Now, isn't that just the sign of a good mother? Always ready to pitch in and lend a hand? Of course, since it's Mother's Day, I am letting her do no such thing. This is Mom's day to relax — I am doing all the cooking. But what to cook? I have been meditating on the menu for several days, and I've settled on something fresh and springlike — and yet all able to be made in advance.

2011_05_03-Brunch06.jpgI want to prepare everything for brunch the night before, and all of these recipes will let me do that. There's a rich yet light baked French toast, with a fistful of lemon zest and slices of eggy challah, served with a bowl of raspberries. There will be a spring frittata chock-full of radishes and asparagus.

To round things out, we must have a sip of something bubbly, so I am planning a simple cocktail of elderflower syrup, lemon, and fizzy cava. Simple, sweet, and not too difficult — so we all can relax. But most especially Mom. It's her day, after all.

2011_05_04-Menu.jpg

Elegant Make-Ahead Brunch Menu

• Lemon Brioche French Toast with Raspberries
• Spring Frittata with Asparagus & Radishes
• Elderflower & Lemon Sparkling Sipper

If these recipes aren't exactly what you're looking for, then try one of the recipes here:

• Mother's Day Brunch, 5 Ways: 5 Elegant Menus for Mom

(Images: Faith Durand)

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