Brunch

It was summer in New England the first time I read about the health benefits of blueberries. I rushed to the pick-your-own patch on a nearby hill. I put several perfect ones in my palm with all their little hats aligned—an army of antioxidant soldiers. I ate them. Sweet, with a tang. Yet, sadly, I felt nothing. My blood did not quicken; my heart did not swell with strength. I was my just my same old self, munching a handful of blueberries by the side of the road. In my chocolate research, this moment comes to mind often. The benefits of chocolate arrive quietly amid a myriad of other healthful living components. Health through chocolate is a practice. Chocolate and blueberries, both miracles of nature, join here for a berry breakfast or homey, warm dessert.

A slice of this chocolate-ribboned cake served on a tray with a cup of hot cocoa, a glass of chilled juice, and a boiled egg, accompanied by a newspaper and a little flower in a vase, will please the soul of any chocolate lover lying in bed. Not so sure? Add a chocolate glaze (see Glaze of the Gods, page 118) and you’ll be guaranteed entry into the boudoir of chocolate heaven.

Combine leftover ham with frozen hash browns and get an incredibly easy casserole to serve for brunch or dinner.

Choose fresh fruit salad or cold soup, such as Chilled Strawberry-Orange Soup (page 51), to complement this quichelike dish.

This mildly seasoned frittata—basically an omelet without the work—is a different way to use leftover pasta.

Nutritious brown rice enhances the flavor and texture of this scrumptious two-cheese pie. Try it for dinner or brunch.

Here’s a warm version of the popular French salade niçoise. Très bien!

This quick dish tastes so rich and flavorful!

A small amount of intensely flavored dressing goes a long way in this brilliantly colored salad.

A mildly spicy vinaigrette tops mixed salad greens, soy-brushed chicken, and tangy grapefruit.

Island breezes are sure to stir, even in winter, when you serve this salad.

Capture the traditional flavors of huevos rancheros with this any-time-of-day casserole. You can make it and bake it right away or prepare it ahead of time and bake it the next day.

This exciting, inviting fruit salad is especially delicious served with grilled pork or chicken.

Buttermilk heightens the flavors of the fruit in this kid- and adult-pleasing salad or dessert.

Have a nutritious start to your morning when you add oatmeal and whole-wheat flour to your pancakes. Topped with granola, bananas, and maple syrup, they’re amazing!

This breakfast treat looks so elegant, your family will think it took hours instead of minutes to prepare. You can also serve this as dessert, but caution is advised: You may be tempted to eat dessert first!

Experiment with different varieties of apple and with seasonal fruit when you make this refreshing salad.

These delicious, good-for-you breakfast sandwiches are reminiscent of traditional Danish pastries straight from the bakery.

Have fun at breakfast with this terrific taste combination of mini waffles, cinnamon-sugared fruits, and yogurt. Or serve later in the day with frozen yogurt as a different way to enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream “cone.”

Get up and go with this satisfying breakfast drink. For a frosty presentation, put empty glasses in the freezer for just a few minutes while you are preparing the drink.