Food is almost always shared. While essential to life, it is often an important part of celebrations, however large or small.

We were a busy family when I was growing up, so it was difficult for us to enjoy every meal together. However, my mother always made sure that we were all present for Sunday night dinner. The significance of sharing a meal on Sundays has stuck with me through adulthood. It's a day of rest and relaxation, perfect for spending time with those you love.

During my life in Vancouver, British Columbia, I grew a particular fondness for Sunday brunch. The city has a burgeoning food scene. Young chefs operate food trucks and small restaurants with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.

The timing of brunch is perfect, not too early for those who have waited all week to sleep in and not too late for those who still have errands to run. And perhaps as equally important, the appropriate time of day to enjoy a glass of champagne or a bloody Mary, or two.

Sweet or savory becomes the question of the day. I tend to go for sweet, but recognize the impact of a slowing metabolism as I age. A perfectly delicious compromise for me is chicken and waffles.

Savoury fried chicken and the slight sweetness of waffles is the ideal combination. How the dish is finished is where the real tantalizing flavours come in to play. This recipe includes an incredible maple syrup cream cheese drizzle.

Fried Chicken

Ingredients

8 chicken tenders

1 large egg, beaten

3/4 c. flour

1 Tbs. seasoned salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

Heat 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet. Beat egg in a medium bowl. Combine flour, seasoned salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Coat chicken tenders in egg and dredge through the flour mixture. Place the chicken in hot oil and fry, turning occasionally until thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the oil.

 

Waffles

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. flour

2 Tbs. light brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. butter, melted

2 large eggs

Pinch of salt

Directions

In medium bowl whisk together dry ingredients. In large bowl whisk together buttermilk, butter and eggs. Slowly add flour mixture until batter is just combined. Prepare and heat waffle iron according to the manufacturer. Pour batter onto iron and cook until waffles are golden brown and easy to remove.

Maple Syrup, Cream Cheese drizzle

Ingredients

1 package cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. pure maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. powdered sugar

1/4 c. milk, or more

Directions

Beat cream cheese, butter, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar until completely blended. Slowly add milk until desired consistency is reached.

Place two fried chicken tenders over a waffle and drizzle with maple cream cheese syrup. Serve with fresh fruit.