The Simple Luxury of Brunch in Bed

Treat yourself—or someone you love—to a leisurely morning meal

Plump up the pillows and set up your bed tray for a cozy, leisurely meal. (Victoria de la Maza)

After a lifetime of early morning wake up calls, for business or otherwise, I have recently discovered the incredible luxury that is brunch in bed. This is a novelty for me, because now, being at home so much has allowed me to organize my meal times as needed, and not in a set schedule.

I often start work early in the morning and realize by noon that I am starving. Still in my bathrobe, it is too late for breakfast and a bit too early for lunch, but it is perfect for brunch.

No longer an exclusive weekend event, setting up a tray to bring food to bed is just another way of prolonging the comfort, coziness, and warmth of working from home. Having a few things prepared ahead of time allows me this luxury without any of the guilt.

When deciding on the menu, I avoid foods that crumble or flake (croissants are a big no-no); recipes that are too saucy, sticky, or gooey; and dishes that require cutting and slicing (like steak—unless it is served already sliced). My favorite dishes to eat in bed are things like risotto, creamy scrambled eggs, and quiches—in essence, anything that doesn’t really need hard work to eat.

Here is a simple, fuss-free menu for brunch in bed, a perfect treat for one—or for you and your Valentine: warm homemade English muffins; creamy, slow-cooked scrambled eggs; and a simple dried fruit compote for dessert.

Cooking these eggs low and slow gives soft, creamy results. (Victoria de la Maza)

With the English muffins and compote prepared in advance, all I have to do last-minute is scramble the eggs, toast the muffins, and then decide if I want to have coffee, as in breakfast, or go straight to wine, as in lunch. (Yes, I know it’s mid-week, but no one is watching!)

For a more substantial meal, rashers of bacon, links of crispy sausage, or even slices of smoked salmon would be great additions to the scrambled eggs. I also love adding sautéed spinach or potato hash.

The English muffins and dried fruit compote can be made in advance, for a stress-free morning. (Victoria de la Maza)

Setting the Table

When eating in bed, I plump up the pillows and I use a large, rimmed breakfast tray, with side pockets to put newspapers and magazines, my laptop, and my iPad. I also line the tray with a placemat so my plate, glass, and cup don’t move—essential for having a leisurely and stain-free meal in bed. I transfer jams, butter, and other condiments into small cups and bring everything in one go.

It is such a treat to have a meal in bed that I am thinking of starting a new resolution: forcing myself to do brunch in bed at least once a week. And then, maybe, continue on to dinner.

RECIPE: Buttermilk English Muffins

RECIPE: Creamy Scrambled Eggs

RECIPE: Dried Fruit Compote

Victoria de la Maza is an award-winning cookbook author, columnist, and international TV host. Passionate about great food, she combines American traditions with her European heritage to create classic-with-a-twist recipes and ideas for stylish entertaining at home.