Bubbly, Bruschetta + Bouquets
Galentine’s day may have officially been celebrated earlier this month, but in my book, any day is a good day to celebrate the gals in your life. I mean, why not, right? They’re there for you every day, supporting you, lifting you up, making you laugh. That’s something to celebrate more than just one day a year.
Of course, it’s always fun to a have a girl's get-together with a spa day, or a movie/pizza/wine night, or even a brunch outing. But with spring on the horizon, I’ve got flowers, light bites and bubbly on my mind. Combine those things with your best gals and you have the recipe for a fun little brunch, lunch or evening get-together that everyone will enjoy.
I settled on bubbles, bruschetta and bouquets as the theme for a few reasons. Firstly, what girl doesn’t love bubbly, especially when it’s pretty and pink? Segura Viuda’s Cava Brut Rosé is always a crowd pleaser, and, bonus, it even comes in mini bottles if you’d prefer to serve it that way instead of pouring it into individual glasses. Bruschetta is the perfect food to serve for so many reasons. It’s easy to make, it’s fresh and light, it’s bite-sized and it’s completely customizable (meaning you can serve lots of varieties without lots of work). I've included 4 easy bruschetta recipes at the bottom of this post, but don't be afraid to get creative and come up with your own topping ideas. Last but not least, I think I speak for all ladies when I say, there isn’t a single day that isn’t made better by flowers. Making bouquets with all your girlfriends is not only fun and easy (you really only need a few items- fresh flowers, scissors, twine or ribbon, and either small vases/mason jars to put the flowers in, or kraft paper to wrap them) but it also provides an activity for everyone to do as well as a gift for each lady to take home.
What's your favorite way to enjoy a day with your girlfriends?
Bruschetta (makes 6-8 slices of each variety)
- 1 loaf of French Bread, cut into approximately 1/2" slices
- Olive oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread bread out in a single layer on a baking sheet and drizzle generously with olive oil. Toast for 4 minutes, then flip over. Continue toasting for another 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before proceeding with the toppings of your choice (see below).
Sun-dried Tomato & Olive
- Goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Green olives, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped
Spread bread slices generously with goat cheese. Top with tomatoes and olives and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Lemon & Artichoke
- Goat cheese, softened to room temperature
- Lemon, thinly sliced and roasted at 250 degrees for about 20 minutes
- Marinated artichoke hearts Fresh rosemary
Spread bread slices generously with goat cheese. Top each piece with a lemon slice and an artichoke heart, then finish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Raspberry Chocolate
- Mascarpone, softened to room temperature
- Fresh raspberries (raspberry jam would also work well)
- Chocolate, chopped
- Hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- Granulated sugar
Spread bread slices generously with mascarpone. Top with a few raspberries (I suggest slightly smashing the raspberries so they spread more easily on the mascarpone), then add on chopped chocolate and hazelnuts and finish with a sprinkling of sugar.
Blood Orange
- Mascarpone, softened to room temperature
- Blood oranges, thinly sliced
- Balsamic glaze/reduction
- Pine nuts
Spread bread slices generously with mascarpone. Top each piece with a slice of blood orange then drizzle with balsamic glaze and finish with a sprinkle of pine nuts.
Thank you to Segura Viudas USA for sponsoring today’s post.
