#BrunchWeek is under way- Bloggers from across the country kicked it off yesterday morning and followed with a #Tweetchat in the afternoon.  There was enough buzz on twitter that we saw #BrunchWeek trending right below #CincoDeMayo, pretty cool!  There were some huge prizes given away yesterday as well- luckily there are even more left!  Click on the link at the bottom of the page, the Rafflecopter, for a chance to win.  The #BrunchWeek sponsors have outdone themselves! The signs of summer are coming, and I couldn’t resist garden inspired cocktail.  I am not a gin fan, but because of my husbands devotion to it, we always seem to have it on the shelf.  The good part is that the refreshing watermelon really balances the emphasis of the juniper berries in the gin.  Although gin is not my spirit of choice, I always get excited when I see fresh herbs in sweets and cocktails, I love the earthyness that seeps in.  This recipe comes from Everyday Magazine  Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 4 1 inch pieces watermelon
• Ice
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Wine
• Watermelon wedges

 Directions 

1. To make the rosemary simple syrup place the water, sugar and rosemary in a small saucepan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes and cool.  This can be made ahead, and nice to have on hand for those “moments of need”. 
2. When ready to serve, drop the watermelon into a cocktail shaker, and crush with a muddler or wooden spoon.  Add enough ice to fill the shaker, and then add gin, rosemary syrup and lemon juice; and shake. Strain into 2 champagne flutes. Top with champagne and garnish each with a watermelon wedge.

This is a perfect Brunch-tail for a Mother’s Day, light, refreshing and not going to put you under the rest of the day. After all whether its breakfast in bed or ladies brunching, there should always be be some saucing… Mother’s Day is getting closer- buy your cards and keep following along with #BrunchWeek for ideas! Thanks to all the fabulous sponsors! They got it going on for sure!! California Walnuts,  Lodge Cast Iron, Vidalia Onions-The Flavors of Summer, Black Gold Farms, the Food and Wine Conference and Sunday Supper, Bob’s Red Mill, Whole Foods Market -Orlando, and Stonyfield Organic For a chance to win one of the great prizes- click on this link and sign up- super easy and legit. a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Today there are a ton of brunchalicious posts from across the country- Check them out!

Beverages Pear Hibiscus Brunch Cocktail by Rachel Cooks Strawberry Rose Sangria by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen Mocha Frappuccino by Around My Family Table Pineapple-Basil Tea by The Kitchen Prep

Eggs

Tomato and Mozzarella Quiche by Love and Confection Cherry Tomato and Chorizo Omelette by Katie’s Cucina Asparagus and Bacon Quiche by Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Meat, Poultry and Fish

Bacon Canapés with Oranges and Maple Yogurt by Cook the Story Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini by Sweet Remedy Pancetta Wrapped Chicken by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner

Breads, Grains, Cereals and Pancake-type Yums

Spinach and Goat Cheese Muffins by Culinary Flavors Overnight Blintz Bake by White Lights on Wednesday Bananas Foster French Toast by by Cravings of a Lunatic

Desserts

Cinnamon Raisin Bread by Katie’s Cucina Mrs. Lund’s Fresh Plum Cake by The Vintage Cook Chocolate Chip Banana Bundt Cake by Take A Bite Out Of Boca Strawberry Scones by Kokocooks Strawberry Mascarpone Tart by Kelly Bakes

Fruits and Veggies

Honey-Watermelon Soup by Culinary Adventures with Camilla