A Peaceful Easter: Brunch, Healing, and New Beginnings

As a Christian, Easter has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a gentle reminder that life gives us another chance to begin again, and as I am navigating this single life journey, it is an opportunity for me to release the heaviness of the past and rebuild with renewed joy and hope.

This year, my weekend was beautifully peaceful, exactly what my heart needed. While I’ve always loved hosting Easter dinner, I realized I haven’t gathered family around my table since my divorce. That truth sat with me for a moment, but it was softened by something simple and deeply meaningful.  My older daughter came home to spend the weekend with me.

There’s something so special about watching your adult child return to their sacred space,  their room, their memories, their presence filling the home again. It may seem like a small thing, but for an empty nester, it brings a kind of pure, quiet joy that’s hard to put into words.

On Easter Sunday, I kept things light and lovely with a beautiful brunch.

The star of the table was my Pineapple Bourbon French Toast. It was indulgent, comforting, and just the right touch of sweetness to match the day.

As I reflect on this weekend, I’m reminded that joy doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s found in peaceful moments, familiar spaces, and the presence of the people we love most.

Just as I cherished this time with my family, I hope your Easter was filled with joy, hope, and the promise of new beginnings.

This is how I made my French Toast:  (You can also check my Eggnog French Toast recipe)

For the Bourbon Pineapple Topping

1 can pineapple chunks

3 tbsp non-salted butter

¼ cup brown sugar

3 tbsp bourbon

1 tsp cinnamon

1tsp vanilla

1 tsp nutmeg powder

1tsp orange zest

1 pinch of salt

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat

Add pineapple chunks (drain them well), let them caramelize, 2 min per side

Sprinkle in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest, stir for 1 to 2 min

Carefully add the bourbon

Cook for another 2  minutes, then add vanilla and a pinch of salt.  Set aside

For the French Toast

1 loaf of brioche, sliced thick

4 eggs

1 cup of milk

2 tbsp of brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cardamom

1 tsp of nutmeg powder

Pinch of salt

(3 tbps of butter for cooking them)

Whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.  Dip brioche slices just enough to coat

Cook 3 minutes per side until golden and with slightly crisp edges.