Winter Brunch Bliss

No brunch is complete without a special drink to sip and savour. This spiced mocktail is the perfect libation to warm up with on a cold wintery morning. If you are in the mood to imbibe, a splash of brandy or Cointreau would do nicely here.

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who would turn down a still-warm doughnut, and even fewer who would turn down one of these. These banana pumpkin doughnuts are baked, and lighter in texture than your typical fried indulgence, but they don’t compromise on taste. Crowned with a simple chocolate glaze and a shower of pumpkin seeds (a nod to what’s in them), you can have these doughnuts made and on the table in about an hour.

If you find yourself craving a spot of sunshine during the darker winter months, whip up a platter of this bright citrus fruit salad and revel in the jewels of winter. Feel free to play around with the citrus you choose. I find this salad particularly lovely with a mix of sweet and tart citrus fruit as it adds a bit more depth and complexity to the overall dish. To make this salad more of a meal, consider adding a protein boost with crispy chickpeas, sliced chicken, or flaked salmon.

This plant-based brunch showstopper is full of bright earthy flavours. If you can’t find beets with their tops on, feel free to swap in another seasonal green such as chard, collards, or kale.

This colourful feast comes together with minimal effort but packs a big punch of satisfying flavour. To round out the meal, serve with pita bread and some Greek yogurt garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and some toasted sesame seeds.

This vegan take on traditional French toast is the perfect make-ahead recipe. It can be prepared the night before and then popped into the oven first thing in the morning, filling the house with an invitingly warm and cozy scent. There’s no need for maple syrup—a dreamy dollop of cashew cream, perfumed with cardamom and vanilla, puts this dish over the top and firmly in best brunch territory.