Sunday Comforts: A Cozy Brunch at Casa Nademi 🌿🏡🤍

Sundays hold a special place in my heart. They’re a day for slowing down, savoring good food, and connecting with loved ones. In Casa Nademi, Sundays are dedicated to making comfort food for my husband, Yousef, and creating an atmosphere that invites relaxation and joy. Life can get so busy during the week, but Sundays give us a chance to unwind, nourish our bodies, and enjoy each other’s company.

Growing up, Sunday brunch was always a highlight for me. Whether it was at my grandma’s or my aunt’s house, a sumptuous meal was always on the table, and it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with family. The joy of sharing stories, hearing how everyone’s week went, and simply being together created a sense of warmth that carried us into the new week. Now, I try to bring that same feeling into our home every Sunday.

I'm always mindful of everything I put into the food I make. I ensure that everything is made from scratch, using fresh ingredients and plenty of herbs to keep the dishes flavorful without relying too much on salt. Today’s menu was a treat: steak with chimichurri sauce, arugula salad, crostini, and pavlova for dessert. We also had non-alcoholic drinks, with fruit-infused ice to make things extra special.

Here’s how I brought it all together:

1. Table Setting & Ambiance I believe that a beautifully set table sets the tone for the entire meal. It creates an inviting atmosphere that makes you excited to sit down and enjoy. I also like to add some nice music to complete the ambiance—it’s all about making the dining experience as enjoyable as possible.

2. Pavlova The pavlova is always a showstopper. I started by beating egg whites until they formed stiff peaks and then baked them until the meringue was crispy on the outside and soft inside. Once baked, I set it aside and prepared the filling: heavy whipping cream, homemade strawberry jam, custard, and fresh strawberries and blackberries on top. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart.

3. Crostini I made two types of crostini today. The first was a tomato and parsley crostini. I toasted slices of baguette, drizzled them with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and topped them with chopped tomatoes and parsley. The second crostini was a bit more indulgent: toasted baguette with brie cheese, roasted grapes, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. I usually use red grapes, but green grapes worked just as well this time. The honey added the perfect touch of sweetness.

4. Steak with Chimichurri Sauce The steak was simple yet delicious—just salt, pepper, and a quick cook in a pan with olive oil and butter. But what made it extraordinary was the chimichurri sauce. I blended parsley, coriander, olive oil, salt, lemon, and garlic in a food processor, and it was so flavourful. The sauce really elevated the dish and added a fresh, herby kick.

5. Arugula Salad I saved the salad for last to keep it fresh. It was a simple mix of arugula, a Greek vinaigrette with lemon and garlic, walnuts (leftover from the crostini), shredded parmesan cheese, and store-bought croutons. It was light, crisp, and balanced the richness of the other dishes perfectly.

6. Drinks For drinks, we had non-alcoholic sparkling white grape wine. I made it a bit more festive by adding ice cubes with frozen fruits like blueberries, strawberries, orange raspberries, and even mint and rosemary. It not only looked beautiful but added a refreshing twist to the drink.

That’s how we spent our Sunday—filled with delicious food and quality time together. Now, it's time for me to unwind with my favourite TV show. Until my next blog, take care and enjoy the little moments!

Love,

Lesley N. ❣️