Brunch

This delightful open-face omelet is aptly named; it's bursting with flavor and style.

Here's a delicious new take on smoked salmon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A colorful salad of cooked green beans, roasted red pepper strips and marinated artichoke hearts looks and tastes terrific with this meatless version of a classic. Pass a plate of brownies for dessert.

The ingredients of the traditional Denver omelet top savory French toast. Alongside, offer sliced tomatoes with balsamic or red wine vinegar and crumbled marjoram. End with oatmeal cookies and oranges.

Onions, olives, basil and lemon accent this unusual combination from Un Grand Café in Chicago, Illinois. If you cannot find Yukon Gold potatoes, regular white-skinned potatoes will do nicely.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using frozen hash brown potatoes really reduces prep time. This easy hash goes well with fried or poached eggs and some steamed broccoli.

A moist and flavorful banana-nut muffin with a distinctly tropical twist.

Brunch drinks get updated with this take on the traditional duo of orange juice and champagne. Note that freshly squeezed orange juice is not the best choice here, as its intense taste can overwhelm the other juices. Topping the drink with a boysenberry "floater" creates a vibrant color contrast.

This strata is ideal for Christmas morning — it is assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving. Mimosas are a nice addition to the menu.

Flat omelets known as frittatas are popular throughout mainland Italy. In Apulia, this version is made to celebrate the harvest of spring onions.

Most of the work on this dish is done the day before, leaving plenty of time in the morning for opening presents or simply sleeping in.

Aurelia C. Scott of Portland, Maine, writes: "I would love to know how to make the red pepper frittata on the breakfast menu at the fabulous Five Gables Inn, in East Boothbay, Maine."

Easy sides would be a salad of mixed lettuces with balsamic vinaigrette, a whole wheat baguette and roasted baby potatoes. Finish with apple tarts.