5 delicious brunch ideas

Brunch, for me, is the most glorious meal of the week. Leisurely and indulgent, the perfect end to an intense work week. Brunch doesn’t need to be heavy, it can be light and delicious. As Summer time approaches it’s time to start thinking of less wintry dishes. I love eggs for brunch, but I also love fresh healthy brunches like bircher muesli and granola. Often simple bowls of thick greek yogurt with fruit compote. These brunch recipes are some of my favourites. They don't require an enormous effort, but the flavours say otherwise. Enjoy! By Niamh Shields

American style pancakes with bacon & maple syrup

These fluffy pancakes are one of my favourite brunches. Be as naughty as you like by moderating your bacon intake (or not!). These are quick and very easy to make. See recipe.

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Squash fritters with avocado & crispy ham

These fritters are like sunshine on your plate. Bright orange and sweet, they are perfect with the salty crisp ham. Avocado completes the dish with some fruity tomatoes. They take a little work as you have to roast the butternut squash first but you can do this while you drink your coffee – or better yet, the night before!

It’s important not to over-roast the squash or it will get too wet, you want to roast it until you can stick a knife through but it’s still quite firm. Gently work the flour in, just stir it through with a fork until there are no flecks of white. If you over work the flour you will get a chewy fritter. But really, those two concerns aside these are easy and quick. See recipe.

More recipes: 10 fast and healthy meal ideas
Roast peaches with Greek yogurt and toasted pumpkin seeds

These are gorgeous and very easy and quick. I love these on bright sunny days. Toasted pumpkin seeds are one of my favourites, they puff and crisp up when toasted on a dry frying pan. Some nuts like hazelnuts would be great here too. See recipe.

More recipes: 10 fast and healthy meal ideas
Bircher muesli with yogurt, toasted seeds and blueberries

This is a super healthy and refreshing brunch. Proper oats (not the 'quick' ones), soaked in milk until plump with grated apple, blueberries, crunchy toasted seeds and yogurt. The oats are best soaked overnight but as long as you can soak them for at least 10 minutes they’ll be good. Go to recipe.

More recipes: 10 fast and healthy meal ideas
Brunch baked eggs with potatoes

This is like a freeform frittata and is a great solid brunch. It takes very little prep, just some time in the oven. Use leftover potatoes if you have them, but fresh ones are fine too. I use parsley here as I like it with the potatoes, however basil is great with the tomatoes if you want something a little gentler. Bake in a large baking tray, the size of a roasting tray or two smaller ones. Go to recipe.

More recipes: 10 fast and healthy meal ideas
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Being health conscious needn’t mean compromising on taste or spending hours slaving over a dish.