The “commercial”-iest (is that a word? We’ll just call it a TY word ?) of holidays is upon us. You either love it or hate it. I secretly love valentines day, but not because of the usual reasons. I love it because it’s an extra day where I can make the people around me feel loved on the extra. *not that I don’t do it on the daily ??? I’m talking about THE V-day.
I used to do inexpensive little flower bouquets and chocolate-covered Strawberries for the gals closest to me. I’d deliver them in the morning before work to bring them a little surprise on the “holiday” typically made for couples. It’s the little things ya feel me? Although it shouldn’t be saved just for this day.
The day when sooo much pressure is put on people that the cost of flowers double or triple the regular price on a “normal” day. Research says that people spend $175-200 on average for their significant other on Valentine’s Day. Insane!
Sign me up for the week after, when prices are back to normal. When the restaurants have their standard offerings, it doesn’t cost me my arm and leg. Or even the day after when I can get my chocolate half off! ?
Well, I’m not gonna talk about doing anything for a significant other. Or spending a crazy amount of money. I will show you a simple, quick, and fun brunch to throw for your gal-pals and self. On the best day in my opinion; Galentine’s day!! Which is February 13th, if you were wondering.
I love brunch. Let’s be honest, I love all meals. Brunch buffets are really where it’s at. What makes brunch special, though? It’s a designated meal that incorporates breakfast food AND all the other foods! Without making you feel like a second-class citizen that rolled out of bed at noon from a previous night of debauchery. In fact, going to brunch makes you (at least I do) feel like the posh citizen you are. The other beauty is you want eggs at 11am with some prime rib. Go ahead, girl. Do you want some smoked salmon and fruit? Be our guest. Want to graze for 3 hours? We expect nothing less! All while having tasty cocktails like Mimosas for our sweet gals and Bloody Marys for our savory gals. We have some recipes here and here!
Unfortunately, my brunch board doesn’t have a prime rib or smoked salmon. But there’s no stopping you from doing that! I’m going to show you two classic foods with simple upgrades: Pancakes and French Toast!
I love making mini pancakes. Mini everything! My dad used to make mini pancakes for us when we were little. That’s probably why I make them now. Oh, childhood, isn’t it funny?
The next brunch board item is mini French Toast, regular-sized bread cut into triangles. HA! The switch-up, though, is using a brioche bread.
Mini Pancakes and Mini French Toast Brunch
The additions of melted butter and vanilla extract to the box mix bring it to life! It gives the pancakes a smooth sweet taste. Throw the pancakes and french toast together on a board, mix up some drinks and enjoy the company of your gal pals on Galentine’s Day! (If it’s safe, of course). Or do a virtual brunch with friends. Everyone can cook together then enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Ingredients
- 1 box pancake mix follows instructions
- 1-2 tbsp melted butter (depending on batch size)
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Brioche Bread Roll or Loaf
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup for garnish
Directions
- Follow the instructions for your pancake mix and whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Your batter consistency should be fluid enough for you to make a figure 8 when pulling up your whisk from the batter.
- Cook the pancakes according to the instructions but shape into small circles and cook for less time.
- Mix the French Toast batter: whip together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Dip your Brioche bread into your batter and cook on skillet or in a pan until golden and egg is cooked through.
- Once slightly cooled, cut the crusts off if you’d like and then cut into smaller triangles.
- Top it off with powdered sugar or roll it in cinnamon sugar. Yum!
Tips & Tricks:
? Add fruit to your board. Different dipping options like chocolate syrup, jam, peanut butter! Like I said, it’s brunch; all foods are welcomed. If you don’t want a carb overload, choose only one option.
? Add some protein to the mix like bacon or sausage or vegan options.
