In a busy, stressful world, brunch may be the most convenient and most relaxed time for entertaining, or for getting the family together. In the sensational Bubby's Brunch Cookbook, Ron Silver states, "Brunch brings back wonderful memories for me. There was no rush. There were no pressing deadlines, as opposed to weekday dinners when the topic was often homework, or chores. Brunch was almost bucolic."
Perhaps it is Silver's joy in brunch that has made Bubby's a landmark in New York City's Tribeca. One of the most popular brunch spots, Bubby's habitues represent a wide range of people, from ordinary New Yorkers looking for comfort food and good eating, to eager tourists, and to celebrities - movie stars such as Robert De Niro and Edie Falco, singers such as Beyonce, even other restaurateurs such as Drew Nieropont.
"Inspired by the cooking of my mother and grandmother, I have, as a chef, always been motivated to search out the best of American home cooking, and to serve that at Bubby's. It's also been important to me to encourage people to actually make these same delicious dishes at home," states Silver. The recipes come from his expertise and his heart, and are geared to the home kitchen. These are recipes that will amaze visitors while not exhausting either the cook, the pantry, or the budget. Silver is not dedicated to creating fancy dishes beyond the reach of home, but to sharing his expertise and demystifying "this most rewarding of meals and to to inspire you to take brunch to a whole new level." Many of the dishes are the signature dishes at Bubby's that have satisfied so many people. There are no tricks in these recipes, just honestly shared expertise.
Silver begins with menu suggestions for for special occasions, from New Year's Day, New Girlfriend/Boyfriend Brunch, Easter Brunch, Springtime in the Park Brunch, Christmas Day, a Family Reunion, even for the sad occasion after a funeral when the family gathers. He then gives tips for how to plan and pull off the perfect brunch.
With everything in order, Silver moves on to the recipes, many for signature dishes that made Bubby's famous. The book is divided into chapters for Baked Treats: Eggs of All Kinds; From the Griddle; Sandwiches and Salads; The Meat of the Matter; Starters and Sides; Juices, Cocktails, and Other Libations; Toppings and Sauces.
What wonderful, easy to read, and easy to prepare recipes lie within. You will find recipes such as Banana Cranberry Bran Muffins, Pumpkin Spice Bread, Bubby's Variation on Mr. Beard's (James Beard, of course) Cream Biscuits. There are omelets and frittatas, classic Huevos Rancheros and Bubby's famous take on Green Eggs and Ham. From the griddle you'll find their famous Sour Cream Pancakes, Crunchy French Toast, Pumpkin Waffles. If you are hoping for meat or seafood, you'll find Biscuits with Sausage Gravy, Smoked Trout Cakes, Cornmeal-Crusted Fried Oysters. Accompany this with Gingered Sweet Potato Home Fries, Skillet Hash Browns, Stone-Ground Hominy Grits or a Savory-Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash Pudding. Toss your delicious meal down with a wonderful libation such as Cranmosa, a mix of cranberries, oranges, and champagne or what Silver calls a Serious Hot Chocolate, a rich drink beloved by chocoholics everywhere.
The book is packed with tips and advice and there are photos in the center to guide the eye to success.
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