Studio 20's Breakfast

Breafast a deux

2006-09-08T04:53:00.000-07:00

Despite having a serviceable loaf, Clare has returned to muesli with extra coconut shavings and milk. This was a welcome break from all that dough. Clare drank Rooibos tea, for a change.

Steve had crumpet. Which sounds a bit rude. The crumpet had honey on top. As in, 'honey, would you like some crumpet?' All in all, a hilarious breakfast of puns.

another one 06/09

2006-09-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

Will had coffee, a banana and a yoghurt (strawberry).

Steve had toast and honey. The yakult regime is having no discernible effect as yet, although stools have generally been firmer if that is one of the outcomes.

Clare had a high-level executive breakfast meeting. This included still water, green tea and fruit salad with mixed nuts and French yoghurt (from a glass pot, apricot flavoured). One of Clare's breakfast companion started the meal with a Diet Coke. She proved to be American.

more breakfast 4/9

2006-09-04T02:12:00.000-07:00

Clare is still working her way through last week's rye sourdough loaf. This morning, two slices were toasted and eaten with nutella and raspberry jam. Clare first covered these toasts with Flora, which she had really only bought for baking, but it does spread better than butter straight out of fridge. Clare drank tea.

Taking advice from a doctor, Steve has started on a course of Yakult. The idea is, you have one every day and it improves your stomach bacteria. Since there are enough bacteria in the human gut to reach the moon, Steve isn't entirely sure a shot glass of ofpink goo will help but he's willing to give it a try.

reporting breakfast 1/9

2006-09-01T02:49:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little worse for wear, Clare continued her dual toast theme, today spreading one slice with raspberry jam and the other with peanut butter. Being somewhat unfocused this morning, Clare allowed both slices to burn slightly under the grill. Clare drank tea.

breakfast is back in full swing 31/8

2006-08-31T03:59:00.000-07:00

Like a diseased rabbit, Clare had mixingmetoasties this morning. On a piece of organic rye sour dough Clare had raspberry jam. On a slice of bread-maker wholemeal she had Nutella. Clare drank tea.

Will has just returned from three weeks in Brittany, northern France, where everyday he feasted on incredible breakfasts featuring vanilla yoghurt, pain au chocolat, fresh bread from Mme Dupont's Boulangerie, coffee, a madeleine and a cigarette. This morning he brought a taste of France to Peckham, London with his remaining store of vanilla yoghurts and madeleines.

Steve has just returned from Edinburgh where he found the only cafe in the city that served buttered cinamon bagels with honey. It is proving hard to find something similar in London. A new coffee shop in Leather Lane proved disappointing - no cinamon, just toast, banana and a low grade coffee. Boo.

2006-08-30T02:05:00.000-07:00

Mix yourself a spiffing serving of this week’s cocktail to read by.

BLOODY VIKING
Not only a superb accompaniment to arising first thing in the afternoon, but also a way of ingesting bothersome vegetables. Stand out from the lackadaisical crowd with this gentleman’s twist on a firm favorite.

2oz aquavit
4 oz tomato juice
3 dashes Tabasco
6 dashes Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp horseradish sauce
½ tsp celery salt
10 or so twists of freshly ground white pepper
A stick of leafy celery

Pour aquavit over ice into a medium sized glass, about half way up the glass. If it doesn’t reach, simply add more aquavit. Top this with tomato juice and add the remaining seasonings. Mix well using the celery and leave it sticking out of the top of the glass like some sort of vampiric shrub. Serve in a hot sauna with a berserk grin.

Hello chums,

This week finds your humble dramatist entertaining here at Farquharson Plantations. My dear brother in law, Lord Charles Rey De La Conejas, is paying us a visit from the frozen north. As cultural ambassador to New England, he stoically perseveres to bring the good word of gourmandizing to a people apparently bereft of taste buds.

Thankfully, he is quite the expert when it comes to breakfasting here in my adopted country so we looked forward to a splendid Sunday, “brunch.” (Brunch, it seems, is an American meal, served between breakfast and lunch, somewhat akin to elevenses, but in more substantial portions.)

Lord Carlos announced his decision. Much to our surprise, he had decided on a French bistro!

Naturally, I remain somewhat suspicious of French cuisine, particularly as it has done little to advance itself over the years and especially in the field of breakfast. The delicate creations of Auguste Escoffier have been overshadowed by mass produced croissants and pain au chocolat, tedious coffee accompanied by noxious cheeses and Golden Revolting apples.

So it was that we gaily motored over to The George Hotel (15 E Street NW, Washington DC 20001: Telephone America 202 347 4200), which houses Bistro Bis. Much to my delight, my concerns were rapidly alleviated as we entered the elegantly designed hotel, minimal yet stylish Corbusier-like fashion being the order of the day. The theme continued as we sashayed into Bistro Bis and were promptly seated by the maitre d’hotel. The high ceilinged room allowing free circulation of cool air past art deco prints that are easy on the eye. In fact, it looked very much the type of place a gentleman could breakfast.

Our waiter, Norman, arrived with a gracious snap of efficiency. The first thing he would do was offer me a breakfast cocktail, a mimosa, screwdriver or bloody mary perhaps. Oh joy! Oh rapture! Norman, my eternal blessings on you fall for the almost unheard of delight of a breakfast cocktail. So it was that I kicked off the day with a superb bloody mary. Lady Farquharson’s request for fresh lemonade sent a young fellow straight to the juicer, lemons in hand.

The menu was a deceptively simple but perfectly executed affair. Lord Charles claimed that the ham on his plate of ham and eggs was the best ham he had had in many a ham filled year. In fact, it was very difficult to get any other word than, “ham,” out of him for the rest of the day. Lady F plumped for eggs Florentine, the famous treat of perfectly poached eggs and sautéed spinach was playfully accompanied by an amusement of field mushrooms, whilst I opted for omelet Monte Cristo, simply accentuated with Gruyere and the celebrated ham, achieving perfect harmony between flavor and texture. All accompanied by jolly good Lyonnaise potatoes and the able ministrations of good man Norman, myself, my good lady and Lord Charles had a thoroughly delightful brunch and my suspicions of the French were alleviated for a few hours.

Bistro Bis at The George, I doff my panama to you. Hup hup huzzah!

Until next week, I have the distinct honor to remain your most humble breakfast correspondent,

Gideon F Farquharson, Esq.

breaking fast on 16/08/06

2006-08-16T03:49:00.000-07:00

Clare toasted the remainder of a small ciabatta bap (bought from the Italian grocer's near work), spreading half with honey and half with peanut butter. Clare drank tea (early grey) with a slic of lemon.

Stephen was travelling down to London from Edinburgh via a small turbo prop airliner operated by Scotair. His booking did not entitle him to breakfast. Due, however, to the incredibly complicated security arrangements dogging air travellers, he was advised to arrive two hours before the flight. Neither the airline staff nor the rest of the passengers had taken this advice, leaving Stephen plenty of time to enjoy a chocolate croissant, orange juice and weak, milky coffee at a faux-French concession stand called Pauls (sic). Once in the air, Stephen added two shortbread biscuits and a second orange juice - although this may techincally have been elevenses.

breakfasting alone, again 14/08/06

2006-08-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

Clare had a slice of six-seeded toast - not made in a bread-making machine (see earlier entry), but bought from a small bakers in Gloucestershire, which also sells the flour. She spread half this slice with peanut butter and half with jam, and quickly found herself folding the two sides together to make a sandwich. Clare drank tea.
Breakfast occurred approximately one hour earlier than usual, to allow Clare time to go the the Camden parking permit centre and get a replacement residents' parking permit, following the theft of her existing permit last Friday.

solo breakfast 11/08/06

2006-08-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Clare was out of milk but had half a pot of Rachel's Greek-style organic yoghurt, some walnuts (shelled) and a banana that was on the turn, in her office. So she transported the first two items to said office, chopped up the third into the yoghurt pot and added the nuts. Unfortunately the yoghurt to solids ratio was out (too much yoghurt), but it served its purpose and got her through to lunchtime. Clare drank tea (green).

breakfast from america 10/8/06

2006-08-10T01:42:00.000-07:00

Suggested cocktail to enjoy with this weeks musing.

CROSS HEAD SCREWDRIVER

Whilst enjoying fine weather in the garden try something a little bright and interesting to make yourself as vivid as the jolly sunshine.

1oz gin
1oz tequila
Ruby grapefruit juice
Fresh orange juice

Pour the gin and tequila into a tall glass full of ice and top with half and half of the orange and grapefruit juices. Pause for a moment to enjoy the pretty color you have created and down with gay abandon.

Hello chums,

Gideon is here once again with more breakfast frivolity.

Whilst indulging in my culinary adventures here in the US of A, I have come to notice subtle differences to be enjoyed in the wide variety of comestibles one finds oneself exposed to.

Since the earliest tender probing into the new world, a certain item has thrust itself into European culture with a great, starchy, "huzzah!"

Legend has it that Sir Walter Raleigh introduced it to our fair isle, although Sir Frances Drake may have something to say about that, and although popular in Britain as a breakfast treat, here it is positively a necessity.

I speak of the potato.

I could not possible nay say the full English with chips, cultural icon that it is, but I often found them the only form of potato on offer, apart from a mysterious orange triangle of deep fried potato like by product, onion style flavoring and economy grease known as the hash brown.

Every cooked breakfast since my arrival has been offered with some form of potato, often utilizing the name of hash brown. Yet every one has been different as if the chef were an artist, signing each meal in his own, unique, potato fashion.

Recently, I dined upon some sublime pancakes (more of which in a later episode) at the Original Pancake House, (7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814: Tel 301 986 0285,) which were offered with the alternative of hash browns or home fries. With trepidation I plumped for the hash brown but was delighted to receive crisp, golden cakes of potato and onion, more resembling a European rosti than what I had become used to.

I would bump into home fries again at the delightfully quaint and traditional Tastee Diner (7731 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814: Tel 301 652 3970) It proved to be a mountainous mish mash of hotplate fried chopped potato, onion and indeterminate spices. I asked the bojangles-esqe character behind the counter if he would impart his recipe to me. He replied with nothing more than a toothless grin and a tap on the nose. The secret would remain with him to his grave.

Likewise at Clyde’s, (5541 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815: Tel 301 951 9600,) a happy go lucky art deco establishment, I was presented with an amalgam of small, wizened yet tender, red potatoes with my eggs benedict. The hollandaise was watery for my tastes but the potatoes yet another scrumptious and this time surprisingly rich, variation on a theme.

I am beginning to realize just how important the breakfast potato is to our American cousins. And not an orange triangle in sight!

Until next week,

I have the distinct honor to remain your host humble servant and breakfast correspondent,

Gideon F Farquharson, Esq.

breakfast today 09/08/06

2006-08-09T04:38:00.000-07:00

Clare was giving blood this morning and had been told to have a light breakfast. So no change from her normal routine, which today comprised Jordan's luxury crunch, semi-skinned milk (a day past its sell-by date, but who's counting) and Rachel's Greek-style yoghurt. Clare drank tea.

Guest spot from unnamed office colleague:
I like the idea of a sociable breakfast. In more work-hungry days, friends would drop round and share extended breakfasts of tea, bread, cheese, avocados and other strange combinations. But this morning I hit the usual problem. Sweetheart has to eat breakfast before my stomach can really handle solids. So I had to drink tea and watch him eat toast. We have another compatibility issue: he prefers white toast, I prefer brown. I was overjoyed to discover recently a "wholemeal and white" loaf, brown at one end and white at the other - or so I thought. Sadly, it turned out to be white sliced bread with bits in. The worst of both worlds.

breakfast for one 08/08

2006-08-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

Clare had an excellent bircher muesli with compote, yoghurt, kiwi, raspberries and some peach. She did not make this herself. Clare drank tea.

breakfast shenanigans for 04/08

2006-08-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

Clare enjoyed some high fibre muesli bought from a health food shop in a Gloucestershire market town last weekend. The coconut flake count was high enough not to need supplementing. Clare drank tea.

Will had a disaster. Feeling particularly groggy after a deep sleep in an airless room, he was looking forward to his morning cofffee. Only once he had poured it did he realise that the milk was off. It tasted disgusting and the horrible cloying taste of sour milk did not leave his mouth until he cleaned his teeth. As a result he ate nothing. He is currently in a bad mood.

it's breakfast time

2006-08-03T04:34:00.000-07:00

Clare had an early appointment at the hairdresser, and so picked up a croissant with butter and Nutella to eat in the salon. This was in lieu of a pan au chocolat, of which the cafe had run out. Clare drank tea.

Will:crumpets

breakfast continues apace 02/08

2006-08-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Will had toast.

Clare had a high level breakfast meeting in a central London hotel. She ordered bircher muesli and added fresh berries and yoghurt. Without naming names, the muesli had a gritty texture. The berries were nice. Clare drank lemon verbena tea.

Breakfast From America 2 - 1/8

2006-08-01T02:11:00.000-07:00

Hello chums,

Firstly, I must correct an error from last week and provide my suggested
cocktail first so that you may enjoy it in its true context in association
with my words.

AVAST BEHIND.

Summertime is definitely the best time for buccaneering so refresh yourself
with something a little better than navy rum and seawater.

1oz light rum
1oz gold rum
(For both of these, Puerto Rican is best, Don Q if you can get it.)
Pineapple Juice
Limeade.

Pout the rums into a tall glass full of ice and top with equal amounts of
pineapple juice and limeade. Serve with a spliced main brace.

I must send sincerest commiserations to all of you poor fellows back in
Blighty. I hear you‚ve been putting up with quite a heat wave. Fear not,
friends, though I am far away Gideon is amongst you. July and August here in
the jolly old S.E U.S of A are proving to be insufferably hot. Not only must
I put up with all this Fahrenheit and Celsius tomfoolery, but it is proving
too hot to think, let alone pursue the answers to mathematical conversion
problems.

I have, however found a suitable solution to my conundrum and I suggest you
try something similar. My manservant, Weng, is doubling as a punkawallah to
cool my fevered brow. Without his frenzied fanning and this weeks cocktail
suggestion, I should have gone quite mad. There is a world surplus of people
with nothing constructive to do and an excess of heat, so why not put those
less fortunate than yourself in your employ as a fanboy/girl, eunuch or
driving your APC (antiquated portable cocktailery.) People these days, it
seems, are quite happy to work for a couple of guineas and a kick in the
ankle a day and your employ would provide far more for their self respect
than handing out leaflets or wearing directions to golf sales.

The reason I bring these points to your attention is because this week I
have been breakfasting at home and enjoying my American country garden. This
kind of weather combined with the soaring outside temperatures have
necessitated straying away from the US/UK staples of eggs, protein and
starch as covered in last weeks exciting episode. A hot sausage in 40 degree
heat can prove more trouble than its worth.

For advice, I turned to my charming new breakfast companion. For some weeks
now, I have been breakfasting with a small, green Bolivian parrot named Mr.
Bitey. Being a highly amusing, if somewhat cantankerous character, he proved
to be the perfect lab partner as we experimented with breakfast treats until
decisions were made.

A small selection of chilled fruits, fresh from the Frigidaire proved the
ideal cornerstone of the summer outdoor breakfast. Mr. Bitey edged towards
the seedless white grapes whereas I recommend fresh sliced pineapple. A fan
of conference pear or selections of berries make fine substitutes.

Remember, refreshment and coolness are paramount to this light repast so for
protein both Mr. Bitey and I settled on a couple of slices of Virginia baked
ham. Combining subtle sweetness and a savory bite, it commands the mouth the
awaken with the strength of a great Victorian era, „be gone!!‰

Breads and cheeses are to be avoided in this weather, as they will send you
straight from the breakfast table to your daybed. Liquids are paramount. My
fine American hosts do a great thing in the way of orange juice and,
combined with a dash or grapefruit, it replaces vital nutrients lost whilst
paying homage at the courts of Queen Alcohol and Princess Nicotine. Mr.
Bitey agrees wholeheartedly.

I have heard that orange juice can be too acidic for the morning but as
gentlemen and ladies, we must prove ourselves to be master of all we survey,
including out internal organs.

So don your panamas, break out the ostrich feathers, breakfast in a manner
most becoming and damn the heat. If it‚s possible in the colonies, it‚s
possible anywhere.

Until next time,

I have the distinct honor to remain your most humble servant and breakfast
correspondent,

Gideon F Farquharson, Esq.

breakfast time anals 31/07

2006-07-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Clare's six seeded extra large loaf, which came out of her parents' bread machine last Thursday is still going strong. This morning she enjoyed it as a slice of toast with organic peanut butter and raspberry jam. Clare drank tea.

Will enjoyed two slices of white seeded bread from 'Brayards', his local corner shop, which is owned and run by Cypriots. He had jam and butter on his bread. He drank coffee - white.

increasing breakfast interest 28/07/06

2006-07-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

Clare broke with tradition today and had a slice of bread with butter and honey. This bread was the maiden loaf out of her parents' new bread-making machine. Clare had bought the flour in Gloucester. It was brown and full of seeds, though interestingly the advice on the packet was to cook it on the bread-maker's "white flour" setting... Clare drank tea.

Stephen also broke with tradition in wearing his iPod on the bus to work. Whilst this was - in the main - a pleasant experience, he broke off half way through a favourite song to order his breakfast. The shop was busy, so it took a while for his coffee to arrive. Stephen switched his iPod back on, became distracted and another customer took his latte. Stephen had to order a replacement, which delayed him still further. Overall, however, the coffee was enjoyable.

breakfast from america 2 26/7

2006-07-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

Hello chums,

Decadent old cove, Gideon Farquharson here. Recently, I took a position
doing missionary work in the former colony of America. Whilst I teach
impoverished ghetto children to tie cravats and the art of good
crackhousekeeping I have had an opportunity to get to know more about our charming American cousins. I find them courteous, welcoming and displaying a great interest that noblest of causes, breakfast.

The quote, "Two nations separated by a common language," has been attributed to many people, from Bernard Shaw to Dylan Thomas. I now throw my own epithet upon histories pikestaffs. We are two nations dIvided by a common meal.

Allow me to elaborate. After an evenings imbibing, I would often freshen up, first thing in the afternoon with a full English served to me by a swarthy levantine in a den of iniquity. Call me an old romantic if you will. I was concerned that my wanderings would separate me from that most enjoyable pastime

Recently I found myself in need of that particular style of rejuvenation and
was delighted by a visit to "Peter's Grill." (519 East Gude Drive,
Rockville, Maryland, 20850 Tel: (301) 424-1111) All the elements for success were present. The decor, the staff, the combinations of meat, eggs and starch but they were all frapped together in a style most intriguing. My heavy set Turk had been replaced by a bright eyed Chinaman. The formica tables remained but in the place of fruit based electronic gambling devices, billiard tables were the order of the day.

A cursory glance at the menu proved comforting. Sausage, eggs, bacon and toast making regular appearances. I opted for what was known as a French toast platter, a selectiion of eggs, choice of meat and stack of the
aforementioned French toast. It should be noted that as the French are
somewhat unpopular in the United States, "French toast," has been renamed, "liberty toast."

But I digress. A welcome treat is that of the individualisation of your
breakfast. The legion ways the skilled griddlemaster will produce your eggs. Sunny side up, over lightly and so on in the frying category alone make quite a change from simply, "fried or scrambled, mate?"

Bacon proves to be an invariably crispy affair here but goes exceedingly
well with the syrup lavishly poured all over the liberty toast.

Tea can be provided but when in Rome, as it were, a spot of the chilled
variety makes for a mornings refreshment. Indeed the combination of gin and lemon tea puts quite a spring in your step. Kudos to my "main man" GLT for the suggestion.

I left Peters grill slightly sticky but drenched in satisfaction. It seems
that there will be much more breakfast related jiggery pokery to explore
here.

Until next week,

I have the distinct honor to remain your humble breakfast correspondent

Gideon F Farquharson, Esq.

Reccomended cocktail to enjoy whilst reading this.

Cilantro Julep.

South American and South American influences abound here when one can't find the mint don't you know.

2oz bourbon whiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
mineral water
5-6 sprigs cilantro (corriander)

Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the bourbon and add the sugar. Stir
until dissolved and fill with water. Tear in some good corriander leaves and
stir again, leaving some good stalks for garnish and aroma. Enjoy in white
clothing with a sense of satisfaction.

today's breakfast excitement 25/07/06

2006-07-25T02:55:00.000-07:00

Will returned from a weekend in Cornwall, where he had toast, melon and coffee every day. Back in London this morning, he went back to his usual format: Grape Nuts, Shreddies and muesli, all in one ball and swimming in semi-skimmed milk. He also had coffee.

Supplies of Jordan's original crunch are running low. Clare had the usual and considered adding a chopped peach, but decided to hang on to it for a peach, melon, ginger and lemon juice fruit salad for her picnic this evening. Clare drank tap water. She doesn't hold with the bottled variety.

Steve had instant coffee and toast.

Yet more breakfasting 24/07/06

2006-07-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

It was Jordan's original crunch once again for Clare, today supplemented by an organic plum, chopped, and Neal's Yard 'Greek style' yoghurt. Clare drank water, as she finds it too hot for tea.

Steve was up early and found himself on the way to work with time on his hands. He decided to breakfast at a cafe in Exmouth Market - choosing a fruit salad, muffin, coffee and orange-and-raspberry juice. Rather annoyingly, his chilled bottle of juice was past its sell-by date and proved fizzy and fermented. A second bottle had the same sell-by date and the same problem. Fortunately the third bottle, served with patience by a chirpy Scandinavian, was healthy and nourishing.

guest breakfast 2 - anya rosenberg

2006-07-21T03:18:00.000-07:00

london breakfast reviews contributor anya rosenberg delivers today's guest breakfast:

There's nothing quite like breakfast at your desk on a hot sticky day in
an office with no air conditioning. Today, I thought I'd spice up my
usual bowl of fruit and fibre with the additional excitement of not only
a raspberry flavoured organic yogurt but also a kiwi fruit. Having
stirred in the yoghurt and watched it curdle rather unpleasantly with
the milk I began to think this wasn't such a great idea. I washed it
down with my home made latte - lots of coffee in the cafetiere and milk
heated up in the microwave. In this hot climate I fear I may have
consumed too much milk. An unpleasant coffee skin gathered rather
quickly which always makes me feel a bit queasy - do I lift it off and
put it in the bin or do I try and bravely drink through it. mmm...too
much to think about too early in the morning. As yet, my kiwi sits on a
plate untouched.

Daily Breakfast Report: Insufferable

2006-07-20T02:09:00.000-07:00

Due to this nightmarish heatwave that we British have been suffering, Will's milk curdled and his pitta bread went mouldy. All that was left on offer was a peach - slightly bruised. Steve's Costa iced coffee was tepid before he had even left the shop. And Clare's poached egg on granary was limp. At least the temperatures have had an adverse effect on our metabolism. However, when global warming kicks in properly the Gulf Stream, which turns Britain into a temperate zone, will be eradicated, thus plunging us into the Nordic frost that is - in fact - our landmass's natural state. Once in place, porridge in July will be commmonplace - and thoroughly enjoyable.

breakfast from america 1 - 19/7

2006-07-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

Gideon departs these shores to become our US based breakfast correspondent. Before he leaves he reflects on some London breakfast tips:

For hearty breakfast fare in a quaint setting, liberally peppered with evil stares from the locals, you can't beat E Pellici of Bethnal Green Road. Avoid with great care the 5 star Aetheneum on Piccadilly, serving one of the poorest excuses for a breakfast in the city. Soggy toast, tedious selection and disturbingly penile sausages make this one for visiting foreign dignitaries to weep over. For sheer breakfast style, you can't go wrong at the Savoy's River Room. Outrageously expensive, but the fromagerie and the surroundings make it worthwhile. Avoid the tomatoes, though.

breakfast update 18/7

2006-07-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

Steve's breakfast was severly hampered by poor strategic planning in the milk department. Having discovered an empty fridge, he was further dismayed by a power cut at Elaine's shop which prevented her from opening. As a result, he had to interrupt his bus ride to work, getting off the number 19 at the Angel to buy a grande latte extra shot and peach and raspberry muffin at starbucks. Fortunately as he left Starbucks he saw and caught a number 38, so he was able to make it into work on time.

Will: coffee (one)
bread (slices, two, with butter)

Clare has been away and had no milk at home this morning. So at her desk, Clare had a 450g pot of Rachel's organic fat free probiotic bio-live thick and fruit strawberry yoghurt. Clare drank tap water.

guest breakfast 1 - eleanor 17/7

2006-07-17T01:56:00.000-07:00

breakfast is not breakfast but a complex power play in which one side (4 year old boy) becomes ever more sophisticated as the other side (mother, 36) is gradually ground down. this morning he plonked the remains of goodie bag from natasha's party. last night we had made a deal that he would save the last bag of vivid coloured jellies till after he had successfully downed a healthy breakfast. it was a fairly easy run this morning. he just said he wanted 'the one that makes you run fast' and he ate most of them himself with his spoon. with milk. he didn't insist on eating them one by one dry. or that i feed them in while he was doing something more important like making spiderman and the strange headless clown from a kinder egg have a bombing raid on each other. i actually ate a whole bowl of rice crispies. no tea however. forgot.
but the big news is that nearly 6 month old daughter had her first baby rice. this will add to the complication. it meant i had to milk my own left breast while she was feeding off the right. perhaps this was why son was eating well because he was too busy pointing out when my milk squirts missed the bowl.
son left the table to practice throwing water balloons outside.
daughter wiped snot in her hair but liked the rice.
i had my second breakfast at 10.30 – coffee.

today's breakfast report 14/07/06

2006-07-14T01:40:00.000-07:00

Clare again enjoyed Jordan's original crunch, with added toasted coconut shavings and semi-skimmed milk. Clare considered adding her homemade yoghurt but instead saved it for her lunch. Clare drank tea.

Will enjoyed coffee. He also took special note of how good his Grape Nuts were this morning. For those unaware of this excellent cereal, Grape Nuts are miniature nuggets that stay cruncy in milk. They are high in fibre - great news for sufferers of prostate cancer.

Steve tried his third cereal of the week - Waitrose blueberry and cranberry crunch. It was an extremely pleasant experience. Crunchy, and yet with small pieces of dried blueberry and cranberry. He had another hangover, but had run out of cranberry juice but, bearing in mind the risks of orange juice, he had apple juice instead. A visit to Tuffos coffee shop supplied the latte, although it was very hot and he burned his tongue.

more breakfast analysis 13/7

2006-07-13T02:17:00.000-07:00

Steve's breakfast was a more stable affair than yesterday. He awoke with a hangover so rapidly made and drank a cup of tea followed by a glass and a half of cranberry juice. It's a good hangover/breakfast tip to avoid orange juice after a hangover as its acid can irritate your stomach lining. He then ate a bowl of a new cereal - Just Right, from Kellogg's. Just Right is marketed as an adult cereal for people on the go, with a mixture of sub-museli raisins and oats and one or two unidentified items. Some of these were soft and white. It wasn't unpleasant, but hardly provided the boost the packet implied. On the way to work, it was time for another Pret stop! Fruit salad and a cappucino this time. The cappucino was slightly bitter compared to the latte.

Will was incredibly virtuous this morning. His breakfast consisted of a banana and some strawberries - no sugar, no cream. He also had his usual coffee with heated-up milk. For snackers in a hurry, Will recommends Fruisli.

Clare's buffalo milk had gone off (five days after purchase), so her Jordan's original crunchy, strawberries and toasted coconut flakes were supplemented by natural yoghurt. This she made last week, and has a textured consistency unfamiliar in shop-bought yoghurts. Clare drank tea.

Detailed account of today's breakfast 12/07/06

2006-07-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Today Will stuck to his three cereal routine. Into the bowl he put a base layer of grapenuts - say, 20 per cent of the bowl, then added a hefty helping of shreddies. These made up maybe half the total of cereal present. On top, he put muesli. Today's museli was sugar free alpen, swiss style. The whole dish was served with semi-skimmed milk from Asda. As ever, Will had a cup of real coffee with heated milk.

Steve ate his breakfast in three different locations, reflecting his hectic on-the-go lifestyle. At home, he had a portion of Tesco's own brand nutty crunch cereal with semi-skimmed milk. At a cafe on the way to work, he ate two slices of white toast with honey and had a coffee, then stopped by Pret A Manger for a fruit salad, apple and blackcurrant juice and a 'latte'.

Clare halved four, or perhaps five, English strawberries. These were married with an adult portion of Jordan's 'original' crunchy cereal. Today Clare poured buffalo milk - an overpriced experiment bought from a central London farmers' market - over this combination. Clare drank tea.