Nooooooo.
I love breakfast. It’s my favourite meal; not simply because it’s the first food I have consumed in ten or so hours, but because it is, in itself, a wondrous thing. It’s the most versatile of meals. There are really no rules – it can be sweet, it can be savoury, it can be sweet *and* savoury all at the same time (maple syrup and bacon, anyone). It’s a meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. Gone are the days where breakfast consists of a bowl of soggy cereal, two bits of cold toast and a half drunk cup of coffee…Or an artery hardening plate of fried eggs and fried bacon, swimming on a plate of congealed fat and sauce. Breakfast can be anything you fancy.
There are undeniable health benefits to breaking one’s fast; breakfast kick starts ones metabolism, breakfast eaters are better able to concentrate, and breakfast helps one control one’s weight so why would you *not* eat it?
Personally, I prefer to start my day with a bowl of home made muesli, some fruit and a good dollop of Greek yoghurt. This is accompanied by a large mug of coffee – NEVER instant. Life is too short for instant coffee, and when making a delicious cup in a French Press takes one extra step, and less than thirty seconds, why on earth would you NOT take the time. I like to prepare all the elements of my breakfast and sit down, uninterrupted, with the paper and consume both. In fact, it is a Known Fact in my household, that once Mummy sits down with breakfast, there are to be no requests for more toast, more juice, more anything; no cries of “he’s looking at me” and “he keeps copying me”. It’s too bad, so sad, DEAL kids, Mummy has breakfast.
Weekend breakfasts, or days when we’re all around during the week tend to be a bit more exotic. Pancakes are a favourite, served with jam (four flavours) and cream or maple syrup and ice cream. Or bacon and eggs – perfect, golden yolks and crispy bacon, drained properly, and served with piping hot buttered toast. And there’s nothing like the smell of raisin toast wafting through the kitchen of a morning, mingling with the aroma from the espresso machine. Winter mornings call for porridge. A heart warming bowl of stodge, guaranteed to keep you full and warm all the way til morning tea time.
There’s also something incredibly civilised about going out for breakfast. Going out for breakfast enables one to catch up with friends, have delicious coffee brought to you along with plates of food; and best of all, somebody else to clean up the mess. In my Wicked Youth, (or back in Ye Olden Dayes), I used to go out with my girlfriends until we’d get kicked out of somewhere at 3am. Small children, advancing age and related wisdom put paid to that idea… and it also seemed to put paid to the idea of catching up on a regular basis. then someone hit upon the plan of BREAKFAST – it’s an occasion where small children are tolerated, smiled at and almost guaranteed to be amusing rather than painful as breakfast normally does not coincide with any known “Devil’s Spawn Child From Hell” times. In addition, it does not really impinge on the rest of your day. Breakfast at 9.00is, done by 10.30am or 11am and the rest of the day is your own.
Breakfast dates are win/win for everyone. Chance to enjoy some good company and some good food, can bring the kiddies if you must…
So do it…
Break that fast!
Harriet’s Home Made Muesli
(this will fill a 5l container)
1 kg rolled oats (not instant)
500g Processed bran
100g shredded coconut
100g flaked almonds
375g box of sultanas
Mix up in a giant mixing bowl and put into an airtight container. Sultanas can be replaced with dried fruit medley. Serve with yoghurt and fruit for a lovely breakfast!
Ellen’s Blender Pancakes
(You will need one blender)
2 cups SR flour
2 cups milk
2 eggs
Pop 2 cups of milk in the blender along with the 2 eggs
Whizz
Add one cup of flour
Whizz
Scrape down sides
Whizz
Add second cup of flour
Whizz
Scrape down sides
Pour dollops into a preheated fry pan. We like thicker, smaller panners, so only use 400ml milk. This feeds four nicely.
