Bridgerton Brunch: Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair

Whispers begin over breakfast when golden brioche meets vanilla-scented custard and a scandalous tumble of sugared strawberries. A dish so temptingly sweet, one might just forget their manners—and their corset.

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Dearest gentle reader,

It is with great pleasure (and a silver spoon in hand) that I welcome you to Bridgerton Brunch—a culinary affair inspired by the opulence, romance, and refined mischief of everyone’s favorite Regency-era society. In this series, we’ll journey beyond the drawing room and into the heart of the kitchen, where every dish is as lovely and layered as a debutante’s ballgown.

Each recipe is crafted to bring the elegance of Bridgerton to your brunch table—think delicate flavors, luxurious ingredients, and just a hint of scandal. Whether you’re hosting a garden fête, indulging in a solo spread, or planning a themed gathering worthy of Lady Danbury herself, these dishes promise to be the talk of the ton.

So don your finest loungewear, pour the tea (or Champagne), and let’s indulge in a world where morning meals are anything but ordinary.

Yours in powdered sugar and propriety,
Slice of Southern

“There is nothing quite so powerful as a breakfast that whispers luxury and promises scandal… especially when strawberries are involved.”

– Lady Whistledown

 

Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair

The drawing-room is bathed in soft morning light, the tea has just been poured, and somewhere in the distance, a string quartet begins to play. If there were ever a dish to rival the charms of a Viscount, it would be this: Vanilla Bean Infused Strawberry French Toast, layered with sweet, ruby-red berries and kissed with the warmth of brioche.

This is no ordinary French toast—it’s a sumptuous, golden affair, infused with the floral notes of vanilla bean paste and topped with macerated strawberries that glisten like the crown jewels. One might even say it could tempt a duke to linger a little longer at the table.

A Toast to Elegance

Made with thick slices of brioche, soaked in a lightly sweetened custard, and pan-seared to a delicate crisp, this brunch dish is the very definition of refinement. Whether you're entertaining guests in a manicured garden or simply elevating your morning tea, it is sure to leave your table enchanted.

Perfect Pairings for a Bridgerton Brunch Table

• Tea pairing: Earl Grey with a hint of bergamot or a vanilla rooibos

• Libation: A delicate mimosa or sparkling rosé

• Music suggestion: Bridgerton’s instrumental cover of “thank u, next” by Ariana Grande

• Décor tip: Serve on floral china with blush pink napkins and fresh peonies or roses for Regency charm

Lady Whistledown’s Final Word

If ever there was a dish to cause a stir among the ton, this would be it.  A tender bite, a sweet kiss of strawberry, and just enough indulgence to make a lady blush. Serve it to guests—or keep it all to yourself. We won't tell.

Until next time, dear reader… may your brunch be as charming as a promenade through Mayfair.

Let’s Chat Like Ladies of the Ton 

Tried the Strawberries & Secrets French toast? Or perhaps you’ve hosted a Bridgerton Brunch of your own? Share your thoughts, tips, or twists in the comments—Lady Whistledown is all ears.

Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera – A Fresh Twist with Sonoma Gourmet’s Ricotta Sauce

This Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera combines spring veggies and bowtie pasta with Sonoma Gourmet's Lemon & Herb Ricotta Sauce for a fresh, flavorful weeknight dinner. 

Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera – A Fresh Twist with Sonoma Gourmet’s Ricotta Sauce

There’s something about spring that makes me crave color—on my plate, in my kitchen, and in my mood. The markets are brimming with bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet tomatoes, practically begging to be tossed into a light, vibrant pasta. Pasta Primavera has always been a favorite when the weather warms up and I want something quick yet nourishing, but this time, I stumbled on a little jar of magic that completely changed the game: Sonoma Gourmet’s Lemon & Herb Ricotta Pasta Sauce.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at first—a lemony pasta sauce? But one spoonful and I was hooked. It’s impossibly creamy without being heavy, bright with citrus, and balanced by fresh herbs and mellow ricotta. It felt like it was made for vegetables. I built the dish around that velvety texture and tangy freshness, sautéing mushrooms, yellow peppers, zucchini, and broccoli in olive oil until just tender. Then came the sauce, frozen peas for a pop of sweetness, and bowtie pasta to catch every creamy crevice. A few minutes later, I had a bowlful of spring sunshine, finished with juicy grape tomatoes and torn basil.

If you're looking for a way to shake up your weeknight pasta routine—or impress guests without stress—this dish is it. Sonoma Gourmet’s sauce does the heavy lifting, giving you restaurant-level flavor with barely any effort. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp white wine, and you've got a seasonal masterpiece that tastes as good as it looks.

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• Baby Bella mushrooms
• Yellow bell pepper
• Broccoli florets
• Zucchini
• Grape tomatoes
• Fresh basil

Frozen

• Green peas

Pasta & Sauces

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• Sonoma Gourmet Lemon & Herb Ricotta Pasta Sauce

Dairy

• Unsalted butter

Oils & Vinegars

• Olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

• Salt
• Black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Cooking should be flexible—here are a few easy swaps if you're missing an ingredient or want to change things up:

• Pasta:  No bowties? Use penne, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

• Vegetables:  Swap in green beans, snap peas, or spinach for any of the veggies listed. Cauliflower also works well in place of broccoli.

• Frozen peas:  Canned peas work in a pinch—just rinse and add them at the end to avoid overcooking.

• Fresh basil:  Use fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning if basil isn’t available.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile—here are a few fun ways to make it your own:

• Add Protein:  Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage for a heartier meal.

• Make it Spicy:  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a gentle kick.

• Use What’s in Season:  Swap in roasted butternut squash, asparagus, or even cherry tomatoes cooked into the sauce if that’s what you’ve got.

• Try a Different Pasta:  Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, or go gluten-free with your favorite alternative pasta variety.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Reserve your pasta water:  Don’t forget to save a little of the starchy pasta water before draining—it helps loosen the sauce and makes everything cling beautifully to the noodles.

• Don’t overcook the veggies:  For the best texture and color, sauté the vegetables just until crisp-tender. They’ll soften slightly more when combined with the warm sauce.

• Layer your seasoning:  Lightly season the veggies as they cook, then taste and adjust again once everything is combined. A little salt at each step builds better flavor.

• Chop evenly:  Try to keep your veggie pieces around the same size so they cook evenly and look great in the finished dish.

• Serve immediately:  This pasta is best served fresh, when the sauce is hot and silky. Leftovers are still tasty but may need a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

• Storage and Reheating Tips:  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it may thicken a bit.  To reheat, place a portion in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or even a bit of milk to loosen the sauce, and stir gently until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between and adding a splash of liquid to keep the texture creamy.  Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate and the vegetables can become mushy when thawed.

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💬 Let’s Chat!

Did you make this Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you stick with the recipe or add your own twist?  Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turns out!

Zesty Avocado-Romaine Power Salad with Lime Yogurt Dressing

This Zesty Avocado-Romaine Power Salad is loaded with fresh veggies, creamy feta, and crunchy pine nuts, all tossed in a tangy lime yogurt dressing. A quick, healthy, and flavor-packed side dish!

Zesty Avocado-Romaine Power Salad with Lime Yogurt Dressing 

When you're craving a side dish that's light, fresh, and full of flavor, this Zesty Avocado-Romaine Power Salad with Lime Yogurt Dressing is the one to reach for. Packed with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, sweet mini peppers, crunchy cucumbers, and toasted pine nuts, it’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. The tangy lime yogurt dressing adds a cool, creamy finish that ties everything together—and just so happens to be one of my favorite ways to brighten up a plate.

I served this power salad alongside my Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops the other night, and it made for the ultimate weeknight dinner pairing. The lemony, golden-seared pork chops brought all the cozy, comfort-food vibes, while the salad kept things vibrant and refreshing. The contrast in textures and temperatures made every bite feel intentional—and made the whole meal feel a little more elevated without a lot of extra work.

If you’re looking for a balanced, easy dinner that checks all the boxes—healthy, hearty, and quick to prep—this combo is one to save. Bonus tip: that lime yogurt dressing? It’s also fantastic drizzled right over the pork chops too.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• Romaine lettuce (2 heads)
• Persian cucumbers
• Mini bell peppers
• Avocado
• Shredded carrots
• Garlic
• Lime
• Fresh cilantro

Dairy

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Crumbled feta cheese

Pantry

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Nuts & Seeds

• Sliced almonds

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Whether you're working with what's on hand or adjusting for dietary needs, here are some simple swaps to keep your salad just as delicious:

• Romaine lettuce → Swap with butter lettuce, green leaf, or a spring mix for a softer texture.

• Persian cucumbers → Use English cucumbers or regular slicing cucumbers (peeled if desired).

• Bell pepper → Replace with any color bell pepper or use mini peppers.

• Avocado → Skip or sub with diced mango for a tropical twist.

• Sliced almonds → Use sunflower seeds, pine nuts or chopped walnuts.

• Crumbled feta → Goat cheese, cotija.

• Greek yogurt (for dressing) → Use sour cream.

• Fresh cilantro → Try fresh parsley or basil for a different herbal note.

Variations

This salad is easy to customize based on the season, your cravings, or what’s in your fridge. Here are some delicious ways to switch things up:

• Add a Protein – Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn it into a satisfying main dish.

• Make it a Grain Bowl – Add a scoop of cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for a hearty and wholesome twist.

• Go Fruity – Toss in sliced strawberries, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.

• Spice it Up – Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey to the dressing for a little heat.

• Swap the Dressing – Try a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing for a totally different flavor profile.

• Add Crunch – Throw in some roasted chickpeas, croutons, or tortilla strips for added texture.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

These simple tips can help you make the most of your ingredients and prep time:

• Dry your romaine thoroughly – A crisp salad starts with dry lettuce! Use a salad spinner or pat the leaves dry with a clean towel.

• Make the dressing ahead – The lime yogurt dressing can be made a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and give it a stir before using.

• Cut avocado last – To keep it from browning, slice the avocado right before serving or toss it gently in a little lime juice.

• Double it for meal prep – This salad holds up surprisingly well for a few hours. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before eating.

• Serve with - Great with my Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops and a loaf of crusty bread!

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

💬 Let’s Chat!

I’d love to hear what you think about this Zesty Avocado-Romaine Power Salad! Did you serve it as a light lunch, a fresh side, or pair it with something hearty like my Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops?

Let’s keep the conversation going—tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern and show off your colorful salad creations! Whether you swapped out ingredients or added your own twist, I’m always inspired by your kitchen creativity. 

Got a favorite variation? Drop it in the comments below so we can all try something new!

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇