I am not a massive lie-ins kind of gal. I would much rather get up a bit earlier but then have a really enjoyably slow morning, luxuriating over a long breakfast and unlimited hot drinks. At this time of year when I am permanently a little bit hungover the need for a big breakfast is unparalleled. It’s also lovely to round up with whoever is in your house and do a big team breakfast. Jobs can be split amongst the gang and the common goal of a really good feed is very unifying.
Breakfast is just such an excellent genre of food. I have long said that my ideal starter for my last meal on this earth would be a Toast Buffet. A long, possibly never ending table would be set up with toasters, all the bread and all the toppings I could ever want. Toast is a breakfast food that transcends into well over 70% of my meals and I wouldn’t have it any other way. These dishes below, ironically none of which are toast based, are also easily served anytime. My pal Holly often tells me she is having “Brinner” and I say why the hell not?! Breakfast is for life, not just for mornings.
Whether you make these dishes for breakfast or not I can’t wait for you to try them. Potato bread is a childhood obsession thanks to my Northern Irish family and I am thrilled to be sharing the joy of it with you. Rosti are a bit of work but so satisfying, and make a great centrepiece for a veggie or vegan breakfast, especially with fragrant spicy zhoug. And finally, Monte Cristo sandwiches are the slutty, eggy cousins of croque monsieur’s and ham and cheese toasties, and they are really, really GREAT.
I just want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you for supporting The Dinner Party with your subscriptions. It’s been such a joy to write for you all and an even bigger joy to hear of your successes with your own dinner parties, or quiet nights in, cooking my recipes. 2024 is going to be an even bigger and better year and I am really, really looking forward to more hosting and cooking with you all. Sending huge love, luck and health to you all for Christmas and the New Year xxx
POTATO AND SPRING ONION FARLS WITH BUTTER, CHILLI OIL AND CRISPY EGG AND BACON