Father's Day is the time to celebrate Dad and to demonstrate gratitude for his selfless dedication to family. Surprise your father in an unusual way. A lip-smacking brunch may be the best way to treat Dad tomorrow.

It is always nice to have family and friends over for a tasty, leisurely meal and on this occasion it is good to make the man of the house feel special and to thank him. While there are options for going out to eat at crowded restaurants, the ambience of a home-cooked brunch adds to the enjoyment of the meal.

Big little lunch

Brunch, or bruncheon, is a special meal. The French call it le grand petit déjeuner, translated 'big breakfast' or 'big little lunch'. It is a cross between breakfast and lunch(eon), giving the best of both meals, and commences after late rising and a leisurely morning. It has an element of entertaining which makes it ideal for all special occasions.

A common misconception is that after midday, the meal is a luncheon. The word 'brunch' evokes images of leisurely eating, casual elegance and the celebration spirit. Papa will love the idea of gorging on scrumptious food lovingly prepared by the family on a lazy Sunday morning. In a special menu, each dish is a signature and proven favourites are combined with unexpected and inventive surprises.

The history of brunches shows that these meals were the privilege of the wealthy and noble classes. Dining times, length of meals, and proper social etiquette varied with the period of civilisation and prevailing culture of the time. What was constant over time was that only the very wealthy could afford to spend extended time and money to indulge in the pleasures of food.

British origins

Culinary evidence shows that brunch originated in Britain at the turn of the 20th century and was founded on the principle of leisured privilege. This principle has influenced the popular tradition of Mother's Day brunch, in which the celebration of mother is elevated to this elite level. The essence of brunches is as much about the food as it is about the time it takes to enjoy the meal. According to the Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, the practice of brunch did not take hold in the United States until the 1930s and today it has become part of many hotel and restaurant weekend menus.

Contemporary brunches are often designed around natural, wholesome foods and seasonal produce. The meal usually involves eggs, sausages, bacon, fruits, pastries and pancakes. Other foods served throughout the day may be added and may include quiche, large roasts of meat, poultry, seafood like shrimp and smoked fish, salads, soups, vegetable dishes, breads and desserts. Dim sum is a popular Chinese brunch and includes stuffed bao (buns), dumplings and savoury or sweet steamed, deep-fried or baked.

Children can cook

Get the children involved in food preparation. They can prepare dishes that would win the appreciation from a loving Dad. There are easy dishes children can make without much supervision. They can squeeze oranges or they can make muffins or even a Breakfast Banana Split.

Breakfast Banana Split

2 ripe bananas, cut in half lengthwise

1 cup low-fat vanilla yoghurt

1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup pineapple, chopped

1/2 cup granola or crunch breakfast cereal

Whipped cream (optional)

Cherries

Method:

1. Lay the two halves of each banana on a serving bowl.

2. Spoon half of the yoghurt on top of the banana.

3. Add 1/2 of the strawberries, pineapple and granola on top of each yoghurt in each dish.

4. Top the banana splits with whipped cream and cherries.

Make brunch elegant by using china and special flatware with a pitcher of fresh flowers in the middle of the table. You may choose to place individual roses in teacups next to the place setting. There are many ways to serve brunch. Serve on a side buffet or a separate table or you may dish out individual servings for a plated setting.

TIPS FOR PLANNING ECONOMICAL BRUNCHES

Consider main courses that are inexpensive but incredible in preparation and taste and fit the occasion.

Select foods that can be prepared ahead of time and safely stored.

Spreads go a long way on garlic toasts.

Dips are ideal for fruits and vegetables.

Potential menu

A suggested Father's Day menu includes:

Freshly squeezed orange juice or mimosas

Medley of assorted fruits

Chili soup

Southern-style cornbread

Cassava pancakes with otaheiti syrup

Full-house frittata

Home-style pot roast of beef

Grilled smoked salmon with tropical salsa

Mini crustless callaloo quiches

Vegetable lasagne

Twice-baked potatoes

Old-fashioned banana bread/pineapple bread pudding with brandy sauce/breakfast banana split Gourmet sauces are great with grilled salmon or poultry.

Leftovers can enhance the brunch menu. Day-old bread is excellent for bread pudding or French toast and baked potatoes to become twice-baked potatoes.

Invite close family and friends of the family to keep numbers in check and choose the menu based on group size.

Set out coffee, tea and juice to greet your guests as they arrive.

Make serving and clean-up simple by setting everything as a buffet. This frees up the host to mingle with guests.

Remember to state the beginning and ending times for the brunch, as it could easily extend through the day.

Know your crowd before serving spicy foods.

To make brunch unique and spectacular, pay keen attention to the presentation of dishes with garnishes that will help guests to salivate.

Choose elegant serving dishes to add to the mood.

Mind your manners as host and make your guests feel special and your brunch will be talked about in social circles.

Brunch, an internationally recognised meal, will allow Father to sleep in on his special day and then wake up to a spread of mouth-watering delicacies. Guy Beringer, a journalist who coined the word brunch in 1895, said he felt brunch - a meal served after the morning hunt and before the heartier meal of the day - would promote "human happiness"s. That is exactly what the family wants for father on his special day.

Email feedback on ideas for Father's Day brunch to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.