Sunday Brunch on Perrier

Since J & I had so many out-of towner friends in for French Quarter Fest, we decided to hold a Sunday Brunch at our home to be able to sit and chat with friends from near and far.

The brunch consisted of libations such as bloody mary's and mimosas and great food including crawfish pies, breakfast casserole, sausage balls, spinach quiche by BFF Ellen, sausage stuffed mushrooms and cake balls by BFF Lori, and an assortment of pastries from BFFs Casey and Tom from Boulangerie, a local French bakery.

Click here for the Crawfish pie recipe: Crawfish pie

This Breakfast Casserole recipe was first shared with me by BFF Amanda of Dixie Delights:

1 lb ground pork sausage

10 white bread slices, cubed

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

6 eggs

2 c. milk

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dry mustard

1/4 tsp worcestershire sauce

Cook sausage in skillet over medium heat until it crumbles and is not pink, Drain.

Place bread in lightly greased 9x13" baking dish; sprinkle with cheese and top with sausage

Whisk eggs and remaining ingredients & pour over sausage.

Cover and chill for 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

This Sausage Ball recipe was shared by Julie Schnelle of my Georgia Tech days:

1 lb Jimmy Dean sausage

2 1/2 c. Bisquick

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

cayenne pepper

Mush up with hands in bowl, roll in balls, place on lightly greased cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes



Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms by Lori




Spinach Quiche by Chez Helene



Great food, drinks, and conversation was enjoyed by all. Now, I feel like I need to get back to work to rest. LOL.

It was certainly a great FQF weekend.

People...



Hope it was a great weekend, y'all!

Commander's Palace Jazz Brunch....A Happy Birthday to Jeff!!!

Commander’s Palace in the Garden District is one of my favorite restaurants for special occasions. Housed in a striking turquoise victorian home, Commander’s Palace always delivers. From entering the lobby to dining upstairs in the Garden Room, the staff is friendly and welcoming. I was so happy to celebrate J.’s special day with the Jazz Brunch at Commander’s. The Jazz trio even serenaded J with a special Happy Birthday tune. How fun!

See Jeff's Birthday serenade by the Jazz Brunch trio: Click below...

Happy Birthday to Jeff serenade

For the Jazz brunch which is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am-1:00 pm, the special menu is full of delicious choices.

We were ushered to our table in the beautiful Garden Room. It always feels like we are dining in the gracious oaks of the Commander’s courtyard. Our usual ribbon was draped over our table,  meaning we are frequent diners.

Cocktails of choice: J -Mimosa, Me -Classic Bloody Mary…spiked tableside with “ice block” vodka

1^st course is a choice of soup or appetizer: J -Commander’s Creole Gumbo-rich stock slow cooked with fresh regional ingredients, Me -The Commander’s Salad- hearts of romaine, parmesan, pressed egg, housemade bacon, French bread croutons, grated Gruyere, & creamy black pepper dressing

2^nd course is a choice of Entrée’: And as we so often do, J & I chose the very same delicious meal, the Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish –Prosecco poached Louisiana crabmeat, spiced pecans, and crushed corn sauce topped on black drum.

3^rd course is dessert: Again, we both dined on the Southern Pecan Pie –Warm pecan pie & vanilla bean ice cream with melted chocolate, candied pecans, and sticky salted caramel sauce.

We always leave with our menus which I have framed for the breakfast room reminding us of all of our special occasions at some of our favorite restaurants. Take a look!

 From Brunch at Commander’s Palace, opening presents, and cocktails in the parlor, J celebrated an awesome 44^th birthday. J wishes to thank everyone for all the great wishes , facebook comments, and emails. Here is a peek at how J spent his special day…

I think I can say that J had a great day.

And another Happy Birthday to my “cousin”, Monique aka “Mouth of the South”. From birth, M & I have been BFFs. Cheers to you, my friend. I love you. See you on the beach soon! xoxoxo

Cheers, y'all!