Let's have breakfast
Here’s the scenario: You and I meet for breakfast at any diner in the United States.
We are going to assume that all of the standard options are available and that everything is prepared perfectly.
What is your breakfast plate order? Build it for me.
What I love about this question is that a standard American breakfast plate is simple. It’s only 2 eggs, a few ounces of meat, potatoes and some bread. But there are SO MANY ways of ordering this plate and I know you have your perfect order!
I don’t want to hear, “well hashbrowns are often flabby and not browned well.” or “….not crispy bacon is the worst.” Or “I hate it when they burn my toast AND put too much butter on it.” It’s true, these are not great experiences that can absolutely ruin a good time at the diner counter.
But remember, your breakfast will be made perfectly how you like it.
EGGS: How do you want your 2 eggs?
Poached
Sunny-side up
Over-easy
Over-medium
Over-hard
Scrambled
Scrambled dry/hard
Shirred
MEAT: Which protein do you want next to your eggs?
Bacon
Ham
Ham steak
Sausage link
Sausage patty
The difference between Ham and Ham Steak is that the former is a soft, thick slice of deli ham, a ham steak is the more traditional cut of ham like we would have at a holiday dinner.
I love that we have sausage in two forms - link and patty. And sometimes that small difference can mean the world come breakfast time.
POTATOES:
In America we can’t just eat any potatoes. We must have “breakfast potatoes.” Which are somehow different from potatoes we eat for dinner or French fries.
There are a lot of small variations that occur for breakfast potatoes. They can be sliced, diced, chunked or hashed. Then they can be deep fried, skillet cooked, griddled and more. And then some come with peppers and/or onions and can be jazzed up pretty heavily by seasoning or kept pretty basic. Who knew there were so many ways to make a “breakfast potato” all before 11am !?
Classic hashed brown
Hashed brown puck, piece or tot
Sliced
Chunked
Diced
O’Brien
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SIDE DISH: these “home fries”
We’ve all been there. At the airport at 7:30am for an early flight and we need some breakfast before flying cross country for a work trip. You didn’t plan anything for breakfast because it was too darned early and the line at the Starbucks is 35 people deep to pick up a muffin. And you really want something more substantial for the long voyage. You head to the “Fly boy” diner and order some flavorless eggs, some flabby bacon and these “home fry” potatoes. Guys, these are not breakfast potatoes or a home fry. These are cut up French fries, poorly masquerading as a breakfast option. Don’t fall for it. They’re bad and not at all what you want.
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And to round out our breakfast plate, we get to select some bread or version of bread.
BREAD:
Toast -what type. White, sourdough white, multigrain, wheat, rustic sourdough
Biscuit
Bagel
English muffin
Crumpet
Whatever you chose, what level of toast do you want on it?
Low, medium, high, burnered. And do you want it served dry or with butter?
SIDE DISH: Crumpet
Crumpets are a rarity in the US but do make an appearance from time to time. They are also very similar to the other options in the category. Here’s a review on what a crumpet is:
It’s like a cross between bread, an English muffin and sponge cake. The bottom is usually crispy while the top is puffy with exposed holes. It’s truly a hybrid bread and a special thing unto its own. PIC
CONDIMENTS: want any?
No breakfast plate would be complete with condiments and they can really make or break your level of enjoyment and experience.
Butter
Jam - what flavor
Honey
Ketchup
Hot sauce - what brand/flavor
Salt
Black Pepper
Again, the basic American breakfast plate is pretty simple and straight forward. There are so many little details and preferences from eggs, to meat, to toast to condiments that can make it perfect or boring for you. And I think that’s eggcellent! (pun intended)
So, what’s your perfect breakfast plate order?
Chef Corso’s perfect breakfast plate:
EGGS: Fried, over-medium.
MEAT: Ham steak (not a thick slice of deli ham), the real stuff
BREAD: Rustic sourdough, well done, dry toasted (not burned)
CONDIMENTS: Butter (I want to put my own butter on thanks) Berry Jam.
Hot sauce that isn’t Tabasco. A little for my potatoes, a little for my eggs. I’ve pretty much grown past the need for ketchup. Salt and pepper on everything
Honorable mention: A well made southern biscuit, butter and jam
Cheers!
