Between Storms …
Breakfast in the cottage screen porch is delightful, more so when between violent storms. Liquid sunshine was all we could ask for this day. It’s an old cottage that sits on tall piers embedded in the Canadian Shield, six steps from the water. When thunder rolls over the lake, it rolls and rolls and rolls and you take it in physically, a vibration filling you up, head to toe. The cottage trembled numerous times during this particular series of storms, and the dog was terrified. When the thunder shook me awake at 2:30 am I admit to being scared myself, especially when the lightning struck the ground nearby twice. Thrilling, actually! This quiet moment between storms seemed golden by contrast, and we made the most of it.
What’s For Breakfast?
My favourite cottage meal … any time of day. A lip-smacking, comfort food loaded with carbs. A Dutch woman taught me this many decades ago, when I had my first apartment. A perfect meal when money was tight, and yet I still love it to this day, especially when I’m in the need for some comforting.
You can feed two people ’til they’re bursting with one each of potato (cubed), onion (chopped) and carrot (shredded), two eggs, three strips of bacon (diced). It’s a one-pan meal, cooked in layers, slightly more healthy if prepared in a non-stick pan.
First the onions for 3 minutes (brush the pan with a little olive oil if it isn’t non-stick); bacon until the fat is leached, drain off all the fat. Sprinkle the cubed potatoes on top of the onion and bacon mixture, add a little hot water, turn the heat down, cover with a lid. When the potatoes are fork tender, make two shallow wells and crack one egg into each. Sprinkle with the shredded carrot (leaving the eggs clear), salt and pepper to taste. Cover again and continue cooking. When the eggs are no longer clear … serve it up with your favourite toast.
A Healthy Concession …
I set out a big bowl of fresh fruit and pitcher of orange juice while breakfast is simmering.
Other interpretations of this theme you might enjoy viewing …
- Under the Oaks
- Stevie Reynolds
- Angelinem’s Blog
- This Man’s Journey
- 2011-On The Bench
- Mike Hardisty Photography
- Kath Eats Real Food
- A Busy Life of Leisure
- The Incredible Lightness of Seeing
- Theplaceswevebeen
- An Uneducated Palate
- Hurtling to 60 and Now Beyond …
- directionally impaired in life’s infinite possibilities
- MDC Photos
23 comments
23 November 2011 at 4:46 pm
harpingjanet
OK, I want to show up at your cottage for breakfast! Yum!
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23 November 2011 at 4:53 pm
Cheryl
That would be delightful! Sold the old cottage this past summer. Building a home on the lake now and moving there permanently within 1.5 to 2 years. Come on up! In the meantime, when you need a decadent, comforting brekkie … try the Dutch woman’s recipe.
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23 November 2011 at 9:41 am
the island traveler
That is one comforting breakfast I want to have too. As for the view, must be a bright and beautiful morning each time. I’m glad you are safe after the storm. This words struck me, “This quiet moment between storms seemed golden by contrast, and we made the most of it.”
At the end of the day, what matters is we made it through. Happy Thanksgiving my friend….
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23 November 2011 at 10:08 am
Cheryl
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Mr. B. The Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations are held much earlier – October. Watch out for Black Friday shoppers!
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21 November 2011 at 11:42 am
Laura Leigh Goyer
Lovely post and I especially enjoy the way you’ve made the sunny orange juice the focal point in the photo. Thanks very much for the ping back.
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21 November 2011 at 12:07 pm
Cheryl
Thanks Laura … the raspberries in your breakfast photo left me with a craving for a big bowl of fresh fruit! I’d love to know more about your decision to swith to iMac and how the transition is going.
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21 November 2011 at 5:33 pm
Laura Leigh Goyer
I was shopping for something to replace my old Acer laptop and decided to take a look at the iMac. I absolutely love my iPhone and was looking for a way to integrate my inbox, calendars and contacts. (It didn’t hurt that Macs have started to come down in price lately.) So far, so good. I love it’s sleek all in one design and the wide screen HD display makes my blog photos look gorgeous. There is definitely a learning curve but I’m feeling confident I made the right move 🙂
I’m going to give your breakfast dish a try this weekend. The addition of carrots to an otherwise familiar combo of bacon, eggs and potatoes, is very intriguing!
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21 November 2011 at 9:38 am
Ronnie/Hurtled to 60
I love this prompt because it gives a glimpse into what others have for breakfast! Your photo looks most inviting.
Also thank you for the ping back.
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21 November 2011 at 11:21 am
Cheryl
Thanks, Ronnie. Your oh so healthy breakfast looks delicious!
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20 November 2011 at 5:54 am
20 NOVEMBER 2011 : ONE VERY HOT DAY. « 2011 – ON THE BENCH
PING!
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20 November 2011 at 11:10 am
Cheryl
Thanks for stopping by nellibell49 and for the pingback.
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19 November 2011 at 10:56 pm
Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast | Directionally Impaired in Life's Infinite Possibilities
PING!
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19 November 2011 at 11:32 pm
Cheryl
Thanks for stopping by and for the pingback! Enjoyed viewing “Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast!”
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19 November 2011 at 9:40 pm
sweetdaysundertheoaks
Breakfast on the porch Cheryl, life is good!
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19 November 2011 at 11:28 pm
Cheryl
Yes it is and I appreciate every minute of it.
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19 November 2011 at 1:07 pm
rumpydog
Sounds delish! Hold the onions for me please.
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19 November 2011 at 7:05 pm
Cheryl
Hmmm … perhaps a little garlic and celery to replace the onions?
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19 November 2011 at 12:17 pm
Cookie Holmes
I am comforted by how deliscious the breakfast sounded, especially after the scary description of the storm. 🙂
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19 November 2011 at 7:04 pm
Cheryl
Hey Cookie! I’m so happy you took the time to stop by especially with your ambitious book project well under way.
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19 November 2011 at 11:44 am
Anonymous
Yum…love this comfort food recipe…and as Mary said you married it well with the story of a stormy day at the cottage.
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19 November 2011 at 7:03 pm
Cheryl
Thanks, Anonymous, for stopping by and the comment!
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19 November 2011 at 11:25 am
Mary
The simplicity of the meal, and the charming photo setting for “breakfast for two” is a juxtaposition to the sensations of trembles and vibrations of the thunder that shook you during the storm. Nice counterpoint.
You’ve achieved an emotional response from the reader who can hear the storm, see the calm, fear inside the trembling cottage, smell the delicious breakfast in the pan and bask in the idea of knowing that two will share a cosy meal. Bringing in the image of a cringing pet to comfort … well done.
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19 November 2011 at 7:03 pm
Cheryl
Well said, as always, Mary. Does this mean I never made you this breakfast at the cottage? If so, I am remise. If so, I owe you one as soon as the new house or cabin, whichever comes first, is finished.
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