Ideal Bite

In lieu of my standard Midwest weather report, I've got a new fave brunch drink idea to share.

Last weekend I spent several dizzying hours preparing a fancy b-day brunch for my partner and some pals. Though I cooked the better part of brunch-ish items in our collection of Moosewood cookbooks and Vegetarian Times mags, the pièce de resistance was the beverage bar, and the popular highlight there was champagne with a seasonal twist. I'd planned to go the mimosa route - simple, failsafe, crowd-pleasing - but, since the local strawberry season is nearing its end, I went the farmers' market (and on sale) fruit route instead. The result? Refreshing, pink and gold spritzer-y goodness.

Just add 3 tablespoons of pureed strawberries to each flute, pour in the bubbly, and garnish with a sprig of mint. Wanna make it July 4th friendly? Garnish with 3 or 4 blueberries (which are just beginning to pop up) instead.

-City Editor Daisy…off to locate more champagne…

From Chicago