Continental Breakfast, Broiled Grapefruit, Mimosa's, and Father's Day

When I was a younger man, my job frequently took me on the road. No matter what was on my agenda I tried to schedule a full breakfast every day to start my day off right. I grew up thinking that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If there wasn't time for a complete breakfast I frequently ended up having a continental breakfast.

English muffin and scrambled eggs

A continental breakfast is a lighter morning meal that is offered for guests who don't have the time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a full service restaurant. The continental breakfast is usually a self- service buffet and guests can help themselves, rather than being served.

 

In a hotel a continental breakfast buffet usually consists of an assortment of individual size boxes of dry cereals that convert into a serving bowl. You cut the box open on the dotted lines, open the waxed paper inside and pour the milk right into the waxed paper bag with the cereal. It's fun and comforting. I grew up in a simpler time as a baby boomer.

Retro cereal bowl. Just pour the milk in.

There is often an assortment of croissants, bagels, English muffins, jams, jellies, assorted juices, milk, cream, coffee and tea.

Some fresh fruit. It’s not uncommon to have a cook at a hot station serving scrambled eggs, waffles, or pancakes. Sometimes there's even bacon, ham, or sausage.

A really quick breakfast.

It was in the early 80’s I first discovered “broiled grapefruit.” Even today I think many people have never heard about it, or tasted one.

Cut through grapefruit segments

INGREDIENTS (Serves 2) 
1 whole grapefruit, cut in half, pink, ruby red, or plain
4 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, divided
2 tsp. butter, cut into 4 pieces, optional
1 whole Maraschino cherries,* drained, cut in half
NOTE: *You may use any fresh fruit berry to decorate the center of the grapefruit.

Don't complain I didn't invent this

DIRECTIONS

Place your oven rack in the center. Turn on the broiler. If you have a Crème Brûlée torch you can eliminate using the oven and use it instead.

Lay on the brown sugar

Cut each grapefruit in half. Using a grapefruit knife or a small serrated knife, cut the individual triangular shaped grapefruit sections so that when served they can easily be removed with a spoon. Place each grapefruit half into an oven proof deep ramekin.

Remove from oven and garnish with maraschino cherry

Once you have sectioned the halves, place a small pat of butter in the center of each grapefruit half. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the  tops of each grapefruit half. Place the ramekins in the broiler, leaving the door open enough so that you can watch the grapefruit so that the tops don’t burn. Broil until the butter is melted and sugar is starting to brown and caramelize.

Maybe you prefer blackberries

Remove the ramekins from the broiler and place a drained Maraschino cherry in the center of each grapefruit half. For this example we used fresh blackberries.

Why not finish with a sweet roll or a donut?

What would a Continental breakfast be without a refreshing drink to suit the occasion. The mimosa is an excellent choice.  To build a mimosa you only need two ingredients; champagne (sparkling wine) and orange juice. I prefer a good quality dry prosecco or a brute champagne and fresh squeezed orange juice. There is nothing worse than starting the day with a headache caused by drinking cheap champagne.

Can I interest you in a prosecco mimosa for Father's Day?

To many, a classic mimosa is about 1/4 champagne and 3/4 orange juice. I prefer equal parts of each. Fill the glass half way with champagne and top off with orange juice. Do not stir or shake. Enjoy the day and please drink responsibly. Happy Father's Day!

Maybe you're a Bloody Mary person

My brother, who lives in the south is always trying to show me how to barbecue.  Today he sent me a picture of his bacon wrapped pork tenderloins and chicken.

Does anyone remember eating cereal in a box? What is your favorite breakfast item or drink? How did you celebrate Father's Day. 

© TMelle 2014