The next time you're hosting a get-together, consider inviting your friends to brunch. It's a terrific way to start your Saturday, or Sunday and the entire meal can be made ahead leaving you time to enjoy your company. Welcome guests with a steaming cup of coffee or a sparkling mimosa or bellini. I like to prepare a strata the evening before and place it in the oven as our guests arrive. While you wait for the strata to bake, your guests can enjoy a platter of fruit and muffins. A crowd favorite, are these Banana Crunch Muffins. (The recipe, from the Barefoot Contessa, can be found here.) The fruit dip for the strawberries is a family favorite recipe from my aunt - Beat together 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese, with one 7.5 oz jar of marshmallow fluff and 1 tablespoon of vanilla. So easy, and yet so yummy! It's also nice to send friends home with a treat. I bake extra muffins and package them for my guests before they arrive.
