#holiday-brunch

#holiday-brunch

Marisa Christensen, Holland America's associate vice president of food and beverage operations, directs guests to the line's Dive-In burger. 'It's made fresh to order, incredibly satisfying, and so easy to enjoy right after embarkation when you're settling in.'

Easter desserts are the crown jewel of the holiday meal. And no, we're not talking about chocolate bunnies, Peeps, or mini eggs from a kid's basket-though those are welcome too. We mean shortcakes gilded with cream and fresh berries, tart lemon meringue pie, a tower of chocolate and praline, and stunning layer cakes fit for a celebration.

Scrub kosher salt into the surface of your stainless steel pan, says Wirecutter, citing the French Culinary Institute: This is 'a hack to create a slippery surface,' by filling in all the little microscopic cracks and ridges in the surface of the pan, so that you can cook eggs in the pan and they will not stick.

Nothing starts the day quite like a plate of steaming pancakes or spicy chilaquiles, but every state has its own unique way of doing breakfast. We found the most iconic breakfast foods in every state, based on local favorites and dishes invented or popularized there.

After a short drive through dry hills, a stone-walled patio came into view. White tablecloth covered tables were set among olive trees and exotic shrubbery. A building stood a discreet distance away. The sweet morning air had yet to succumb to the heat of the day, and a slight breeze ruffled the trees. Moments after we were seated, steaming glass cups of black tea were poured, and a brigade of small plates began to arrive.

Valentine's Day is about expressing love for special people in your life. One way to do so is to pamper that person as much as possible. That can mean starting the day off with delicious breakfast in bed. Muffins can be prepared in advance and are easy to enjoy in hand for a breakfast that involves lounging and love. Blackberry Crunch Muffins marry coffee cake and muffin elements and tart berries for something that is equal parts breakfast and dessert.

In this version, cooked butternut squash is mashed directly onto a thick slice of warm raisin-walnut toast and topped with crumbled feta and a sprinkling of crunchy dukkah - a nutty Middle Eastern blend of toasted seeds and spices. The result is an easy, vibrant, flavorful breakfast that carries you through the morning without feeling rich. To make mornings simpler, cook the squash ahead - roasted, sautéed or even microwaved - and keep it on hand for a week of toast, wraps, salads and simple sides.

There are so many delicious ways to turn eggs into a hearty, protein-packed meal, and one of our favorites is whipping up a fluffy, golden omelet. In its simplest form, this fuss-free brunch dish can be made by cooking beaten eggs in a buttery skillet, sprinkling over shredded cheese, and folding everything in half. But, there's also plenty of opportunity to craft something even more satisfying by throwing in a selection of veggies, proteins, and bold flavor-boosters.