In Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, the March sisters give their Christmas breakfast to a family in need, returning home to meager portions of bread and milk. Recalling the girls’ charitable attitudes, our editorial team dreams of inviting Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy to the Victoria table for a festive brunch.
Along with delivering food to a young mother, the Marches tended the cottage’s fire and played with the babies, kindling a sense of hope in the struggling family. “‘Die Engel-kinder!’ cried the poor things as they ate and warmed their purple hands at the comfortable blaze,” writes Alcott. “The girls had never been called angel children before, and thought it very agreeable.” Ornaments of dried fruit and oranges studded with cloves lend homespun charm to the scene.
Lift the lids of our antique egg coddlers to discover a delectable, brunch-perfect surprise: Ricotta-Spinach Coddled Eggs. Sheltered within the walls of these culinary cocoons, the entrée cooks gently in simmering water. When one’s spoon pierces the soft texture of a set egg white, lightly runny golden yolk mingles with Italian cheese, herbs, and pancetta for a satisfying bite that is perfect with toast. Sausage and Potato Pancakes feature the Yukon variety and offer a savory accompaniment.
Prepared in individual ramekins, Rice Pudding with Fruit Compote is a comforting dish to serve during the holidays—especially with its medley of cranberries, cherries, and golden raisins steeped in orange juice, along with brown sugar and a cinnamon stick.
Lovely adornments dress our sweetest recipes, nods to Mr. Laurence’s surprise banquet. Cloudlike swirls draw attention to Apple Turnovers with Vanilla Cream, while a dusting of confectioners’ sugar garnishes Soft Gingerbread Cake. Alcott writes that when the girls discovered the bounty provided by their neighbor, “they looked at one another in rapturous amazement.” Our chefs could hope for no better response: “It quite took their breath away.”
Text Melissa Lester
Photography Stephanie Welbourne Steele
Styling Sidney Bragiel
Recipe Development Izzie Turner
Food Styling Katie Dickerson
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