A few weeks ago, I did a little photo shoot at home with my friend Mandy (such a cutie!), who also shares the same love and devotion for food, especially brunch. It all started with Mandy mentioning that the week before we met she made her famous baked eggs for breakfast and I immediately said “wanna make a post about it?!” and bam – brunch with friends was born.

We went for a very gloomy look for this mini shoot, something that would invite you to get cozy with friends. Why gloomy? Well, that’s the current state of affairs in Vancouver – although we’ve been getting a bit more sunshine here and there – the rain has been molesting our umbrellas almost non-stop. Rain is not always that bad though, it can be the perfect excuse to invite your friends over and have wonderful conversations, without the distraction of waiters or other patrons glaring at you ’cause you eat slow.

So what do you say? Want to get cozy with us? Then follow along!

First off, Mandy roasted a variety of tomatoes (strawberry and heirloom-ish) with rock salt, olive oil, and a bit of fresh thyme. She chopped up everything in big chunks, tossed it with oil, and placed it in the oven. Easy!

Now, this is THE best part. The baked eggs. Oh-ma-lord. Child, you are in for a real treat. Baked eggs are Mandy’s specialty – and they are so easy so make! For this simple recipe she used free-range eggs, a splash of whipping cream, freshly cracked pepper, and Parrano cheese.

To make it, get a few oven-safe dishes (Mandy got the ones in this shoot at the dollarama, score!). Spread some butter on the inside of each dish, add all the ingredients mentioned above and grate lots of Parrano on the top. Cheesus, we are in heaven. In case you haven’t tried it – Parrano is delicious; by itself or accompanied with fruit or crusty bread – this heavenly, buttery, parmesan-y cheese will seduce your taste buds – Italian style.

Once you have this cheesy orgy ready to go, put it in the oven and bake it at 350F (ish) until the cheese is golden brown and the eggs have set.

Finally, wilt some greens (e.g. wilted chard with lemon butter), toast a nice piece of bread, brew a pot of coffee or tea and go for it. Enjoy the food, talk to your friend, connect. Food is the best medium to bring friends together – it opens your mind and soul. It’s almost like therapy!

Try it. This weekend make brunch with friends – or even just make it for yourself. Step away from the interwebs. Cook it. Eat it. Love it.

Enjoy :)

Styling: Mandy Dosenberger and The Artful Desperado
Photos: The Artful Desperado