Donna Dooher is Canada’s ambassador of brunch. Since opening Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in 1989, the lineups out the door have only continued to grow at the Toronto mainstay. Menu items such as her famous buttermilk pancakes, her savoury tarts and her biscuits, scones and pastries have become part of our brunching landscape. Once relegated to Sundays, brunch is now available all week long at Mildred’s, and any day of the week you’re inspired to make it at home.
Here, Donna shares of her go-to tips and recipes for a memorable brunch. All are inspired by her #1 rule: “Don’t get yourself stuck in the kitchen.” Make one or two great things and curate the rest with store-bought provisions. Rely on your own pantry items or those of local producers for jams, jellies, great butter, meats and cheeses. And, most importantly, keep it casual and relaxed as you gather with friends and family around the table.
1. Use Local Ingredients
Whenever possible, use butter from local creameries. The quality you’ll get from creameries like St. Brigid’s Creamery in Ontario (they make organic, regenerative grass fed 84% Jersey butters) is undeniable in your cooking – especially your brunch spreads. Anything produced locally (we can’t get enough of the the clotted cream and kefir from Sheldon Creek Dairy in Loretto, Ont.) may provide a more authentic, richer flavour profile with a higher fat content, which will only lead to food that tastes even better. Plus – you’re supporting local.
2. Make Stacks of Mini Buttermilk Pancakes
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen’s iconic buttermilk pancakes have a reputation of their own – and now you can have them at home. Instead of toiling away in the kitchen, opt for Mildred’s ready-made dry buttermilk pancake mix. Put your own twist on them by making them mini-sized. Elevate them with a DIY smashed berry butter, made by gently crushing fresh berries into softened creamery butter.
3. Serve a Seacuterie Platter
Visit your favourite fishmonger for a selection of smoked, hot smoked and cured fish. Arrange on a platter with hard-boiled quail eggs, tins of premium seafood, lemon wedges, caper berries, pickled onions and tangy labneh dip for a beautiful self-serve spread.
4. Don’t forget to offer guests the Ultimate Caesar.
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Brunch recipes from Donna Dooher
Caprese Quiche With Asiago
Sweet and nutty Asiago pairs perfectly with eggs and ripe tomatoes.
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Fennel and Citrus Toss Up
Donna Dooher's recipe for a citrusy salad with fresh fennel and orange vinaigrette.
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Currant Scones
Donna Dooher's recipe for flaky, buttery currant scones with a hint of lemon cream.
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Best Buttermilk Biscuits
Donna Dooher's recipe for fluffy buttermilk biscuits, perfect for your brunch table.
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