The Ladies Who Brunch - Annual Holiday Celebration

This weekend I was lucky enough to spend time with my very best friends as we convened for a well-loved tradition that's coming up on a whole decade in existence (eek!) - our annual holiday get-together. We've had so many great times together, and as we get older, I think we relish them even more. While in past years we'd all head to the bar to exchange Secret Santa gifts while getting merry, we've more recently shifted our holiday party to take place one of our houses. I have to say, this format makes the event a bit more relaxed and very conducive to laughs and plenty of girl talk. And because all of my friends have a passion for food (would you expect anything less?) we eat really well too. 

Annual Holiday Brunch with Lox on a Bagel,
 a delicious Frittata and, of course, Tater Tots!
Photo: NK

This year's brunch menu was, as usual, memorable and delicious, and there was no shortage of cheese, (including a sinful fondue!) wine, and our favorite breakfast fare. 

Here are the highlights:


Bagels, Lox, and all the accoutrements (the best New York Brunch can get, in my opinion), plus a Berry Salad,Tater Tots, and Monkey Bread (so good!). 

One gorgeous Brunch Spread + Mimosas! Photo: NK

Add to all that that a fabulous Frittata that my friend Natalie adapted from Ina Garten. She added Leeks and Mushrooms and it was fluffy and positively delicious. 














The original Frittata recipe is HERE.












As for me, I contributed my favorite, foolproof, Dark Chocolate Brownies. For the recipe, click HERE.

Finally, I ask you, what classy get-together wouldn't be complete without JELLO SHOTS? 

Jello Shots, not just for keg parties. Photo: NK 

That's right. Jello shots get the gourmet treatment when they are made with Champagne and Peach Schnapps. A bit too delicious! Click HERE for the recipe. 

Thanks to my BFFs for yet another amazing party in the books. And this holiday as much as ever, I'm reminded how lucky I am to have you all in my life. 
XOXO,
Sam 

Mad Men Farewell - New York Brunch Bites

It is only fitting that the show that has captured our imagination over the past eight years be sent off with a proper culinary bang. It's Mad Men Series Finale night, and we couldn't be sadder. Matthew Weiner's masterpiece has also inspired so many smashing menus here at Neurotic Kitchen. The ultimate New York T.V show pairs perfectly with New York's classic nosh, our twist on Lox on a Bagel. This bite-sized appetizer combines our classic Salmon Canape topping and turns it into a mini version of one of my MOST FAVORITE things in the world - Smoked salmon on an Everything Bagel with all the fixins. And, you guessed it, we'll be using our Everything Seasoning that I am, admittedly, obsessed with.

New York Brunch Bites, Photo: NK 

Enjoy, and goodbye Mad Men. Thanks for the memories. Sunday night won't be the same without you. 

New York Brunch Bites With Smoked Salmon, Creme Fraiche & Everything Topping
Makes about 16

Everything Topping Ingredients 

2 teaspoons Poppy Seeds

2 teaspoons Dried Onion Bits (We used Frontier Brand) 

2 teaspoons White Sesame Seed

2 teaspoons Dried Minced Garlic or Garlic Granules (not Garlic Powder)

1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Canape Ingredients:

5 Ounces Organic Smoked Irish Salmon

1 small bunch of Fresh Dill

1 Lemon, zested with a microplane, and 7 or 8 long strips of zest cut in half (optional)

1/2 Cucumber, seeded and minced

1 Shallot, minced

3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice 

Black Pepper
5 Ounces Creme Fraiche

16 Bagel Chips without holes such as Stacy's     

Method:
Mix Everything Topping Ingredients.

Lay Bagel Chips on a work surface.

On a cutting surface, Stack Smoked Salmon Slices in layers and slice thin strips vertically. 

Turn your cutting surface ninety degrees, and slice the Salmon again vertically. This will create fine dice. Place diced Salmon in a medium bowl. 

Add grated Lemon Zest to Salmon mixture, and set the optional strips of Zest aside for garnishing later on.  

Combine Minced Cucumber, Minced Shallot, and Lemon Juice into Salmon Mixture. Add ample amount of Black Pepper to taste. Recipe can be prepared up to this point up to 6 hours before serving. Just cover mixture and place in the fridge if you choose. When ready to assemble, give the mixture a stir and add more Lemon Juice as desired.

To assemble, place a small dollop of Salmon Mixture atop the Bagel Chip. Top with a small drop of Creme Fraiche, and sprinkle with a liberal pinch of Everything Seasoning. Garnish with a sprig of Dill.