ON SUNDAYS WE BRUNCH IS A WEEKLY COLLECTION OF THOUGHTS, FAVORITES AND LINKS. FOLLOW ALONG TO DISCOVER NEW THINGS AND REMEMBER OLD ONES!
Welcome to On Sundays We Brunch, Series Four. This series is a relaxed weekly note where I share little discoveries and favorites—articles, recipes, products, books, creative inspiration, and the small things that make life sweeter. Imagine we’re sitting together at a sunny table, sipping something bubbly and chatting about the week. That’s the idea.
Brunch feels special to me because it’s relaxed and celebratory: the day lies ahead, anything goes on the plate, and there’s often a touch of champagne. Urban Dictionary captures the mood perfectly: brunchin’ is “midday lunchin’ acting a fool in the mid-morning to lunch time.” That feels exactly right.
Pull up a chair and pour a mimosa. Let’s catch up. If anyone wants to act a little foolishly, I’m totally on board.
Cheers to finishing another week!
I recently found a set of glasses in a St. Germain gift set while I was in Chicago, and I’m delighted. I’d been searching for these since returning from France—on our trip we enjoyed St. Germain spritzes served in the exact shape of glass I’d been craving. Back home, they felt like a French-only treasure, impossible to track down. Then, to my surprise, a liquor shop in Chicago had them. Serendipity!
If you encounter these glasses, I highly recommend picking one up. They instantly transport you to a café in Nice for an afternoon spritz, and the back of the box even includes a recipe.
Also: have you discovered Tiny Tom tomatoes? They’re tiny, intensely sweet cherry tomatoes that are as cute as they are delicious—perfect for salads, snacks, or a garnish that brightens any plate.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…FROM THE BLOG LAST WEEK:
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce — a bright, simple pasta for late-summer tomatoes.
Tahini-Coconut Energy Balls — a no-bake bite that’s nourishing and sweet.
Garlic Butter Creamed Corn Chicken Skillet Bake — a comforting, family-friendly skillet dinner.
Peach Cobbler — a classic dessert that celebrates juicy summer peaches.
RECIPES I’M LOVING:
- Ultimate Fried Chicken Sandwich with Basil Green Goddess Slaw
- Lemon Poppyseed Zucchini Muffins
- Browned Butter Salted Caramel Snickerdoodles
- Smoky Meatball Pasta Bake
- Dulce de Leche Donuts
- Grilled Zucchini Wraps with Goat Cheese
- Strawberry Campari Gin Spritz
- Braided Basil Pesto Bread
- Bacon and Egg Toast Cups
- Scalloped Potatoes au Gratin with Bacon and Herb Cream
THE BEST THING I ATE THIS WEEK: BECAUSE, DUH
It was Des Moines restaurant week, and many local spots offered three-course specials. I dined out a few times, enjoyed delicious meals, and happily had a few nights off from cooking.
The top two contenders from last night were outstanding. First, a fennel and potato soup finished with orange-parsley oil and a confit garlic marmalade—so delicate and layered in flavor. I forgot to photograph it, and I’m still mourning that loss.
The second was a flawless vanilla bean crème brûlée topped with rum buttercream and a tiny slice of banana bread. It was creamy, fragrant, and just the right balance of richness and brightness.
READING INSPIRATION:
- An Amalfi Coast travel guide—perfect for stirring wanderlust and planning a coastal escape.
- A light-hearted Harry Potter quiz for fans; if you try it, tell me your house because I’m itching for a reread and movie marathon.
- An approachable overview of intermittent fasting—an interesting read, though not something I’m personally adopting right now.
- Seven practical strategies for decluttering a busy calendar to lower stress and create more breathing room in your week.
WHAT’S COMING NEXT WEEK:
I’m putting together a roundup of kitchen essentials—favorite tools and gadgets I use constantly and genuinely can’t live without. I’m also planning recipes: an heirloom tomato pie, bourbon cream corn, a snap pea salad, a strawberry cake, and my September Book Bag reading list. Expect another On Sundays We Brunch installment, too.
A REMINDER FROM OLIVER, BIRDIE AND I:
Some weeks are just hard.
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens.”
Here’s a small collection of uplifting quotes to help carry you through a tough Monday and reset for the week ahead.
Have the best week, friends!