Breakfast At MTR

MTR Restaurant is a place that we always like to go back to from time to time. Our favorite remains their Masala Dosa. We, however, try to sample their other dishes to. This time we tried their Maddur Vada, which was also delicious.

Intelligentsia Coffee, Millenium Park Chicago

It was day 2 in Chicago, our first morning i.e breakfast. We went to the nearest Intelligentsia Coffee for breakfast. They did not really have breakfast selections that we wanted so we simply tried their pastry and their cappuccino.

Au Cheval, Chicago

In Chicago, in September and we were introduced to a delicious burger place and we had it for brunch one Sunday morning.

Pancakes At Gram

Day 2 in Osaka, our plan was to take a stroll along Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori and sample all the good food as much as our stomach can consume. We knew we were being ambitious, we knew we rather have small capacities but everyone is allowed to dream big. We arrived a little bit before a half past ten and passed the cafe that we wanted to go too. It opens at 11, but DH saw a line formed already. I actually, did not want to line up, 30 minutes is long, but I did anyway. The line grew longer as the time went by. This is a popular place.

It certainly was exciting to see the thick, fluffy pancakes that have been featured by many people online.  Whether they are something that you love or not, is a different story. Everyone has their own preference. I am alright with the flavor, I love the experience. I had the pancakes with a cup of mocha that to me, was way too sweet. Would I go back? I must say, likely not. I would, however, experiment on making something similar at home that are healthier and I enjoy better.

Le Pain Quotidien, Wan Chai

It was our last day in Hong Kong and we found place to have proper breakfast that I had been missing.

We had Coconut Berry Muesli and Fritata of the day. The staff that waited on us did not know what it was that she had to go in and find out. Later on, I also found another staff that also had no clue of the flavor of the Fritata of the day. I guess, they don't get any briefing before the cafe was open or they did, but they di not pay attention. Or simply it was not mentioned. I definitely will respect the place better if the employees have the knowledge of this sort of things. Anyway, Fritata of the day was spinach and feta.

We also had coffee and green juice (no picture).

Breakfast At Bill's

For one of our breakfasts in London, we went to the nearest Bill's. It was cold and wet morning, the place just opened and we were there with only a couple of tables occupied.

I ordered their Vegetarian breakfast which has poached eggs while DH had his pancakes. It was a good breakfast, it's like something that I would have at home.

 

Steel Cut Oats Breakfast

This is definitely one of my favorite breakfasts. We had a short trip to Taipei over the new year and after we settled down back at home, this breakfast was so comforting. Ready or not, we are in 2017. 

The steel cut oats were prepared with almond milk and simply topped with pomegranate seeds and berries.

Chia Pudding

Two more das before we say goodbye to 2016. I ask the same thing like everybody asks, where did the time go?? Have I failed to treasure the days that have passed? It is hard to believe that the year that feels so new, is now nearly over. There have always been things to do, million things to chose from, if you desire that. I am happy that I don't have a day in which I get bored and have no clue on what I should do. I love most of everything that happened this year and I will do my best to forget the unpleasant things that took place.

I still have lots of love for chia pudding. It's a healthy but simple thing to prepare and there are so many variations to make. You can use any type of liquid, milk, chocolate flavor, matcha, vanilla, cinnamon sugar, etc. You can top the pudding with anything you like as well. Your imagination is the limit.

Baked Oatmeal With Berries

I love baked oatmeal and berries make it even more delicious. In this, I added grated coconut and pumpkin seeds, the oats were mixed with maple syrup and that brought it to another yummy level.

Egg Breakfast

Having a loaf of Ciabatta helps. Especially when you are in need for easy breakfast in the morning when your time is limited. I grilled my homemade Ciabatta and topped them up with a sunny side up egg that simply seasoned with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and sliced green onion. To make it healthier, i put some greens on the side. Simple. 

Chia Pudding

This is still one of my favorite breakfasts. It is easy to prepare and it doesn't require that many ingredients.

German Pancake (Dutch Baby Pancake)

This is one of my favorite breakfast to have, particularly now that I find making it less challenging. They key is the temperature and the timing of the oven. I can top it with anything and want and it's always delicious.

This time, I caramelized some apples and simply pour them on top of the pancake, together with some raspberries and mint leaves. Finally, some grated coconut sealed the deal. Breakfast was ready.

Steel Cut Oats Breakfast

This is an easy but healthy breakfast that I like to prepare from time to time. I cooked the oats with almond milk and stirred in matcha powder that has been mixed into a tablespoon of water, into the cooked oats. In the bottom of the mug is pomegranate seeds and on top are blueberries, raspberries and finally I sprinkled some grated coconut and mint leaves. 

Biscuits/Scones

I normally called them scones. This time, however, I used a recipe from King Arthur Flour and the name of the recipe is biscuits, the way Americans call them. They are essentially the same.

Breakfast At Paul, Jakarta

We had a short trip to Jakarta over the weekend, mostly to attend a wedding. On Sunday morning, we had breakfast at Paul, in Pacific Place.

We had mini croissants, coffee and a cup of yoghurt with berries. Everything was ordinary, but at least we had proper breakfast before a busy day. 

Mixed Berry Oatmeal Crumble

This mixed berry oatmeal crumble is perfect for anytime of the day. It is great for breakfast, as dessert or for supper. Basically, anytime. It is healthy and taste delicious. 

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of mixed berries (I used blackberries, raspberries and blueberries)
1 Tbs flour
1Tbs coconut sugar

1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar
a dash of cinnamon powder (optional)
a dash of nutmeg (optional)
1/4 cup coconut oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 170C
2. Combine berries with  1Tbs flour and 1Tbs coconut sugar (or more if needed), toss to coat
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg and coconut oil
4. Spread about a half of the oatmeal mixture on the base of the greased ramekin (pan), cover with the berries and top with the remaining half of the oatmeal mixture
5. Bake about 30 minutes until golden brown and the berries are bubbly.

Breakfast Crepes

I make crepes all the time, they are quite easy to prepare and do not need that many ingredients but egg, milk, salt and flour. That's all. You could add a bit of sugar in some instances, but I normally do not. You could have them for dessert, but I love to have them for breakfast too. I am a believer of breakfast being the most important meal of the day. I've gotta have something that please both my stomach and my heart too.

Pan seared bananas are easily a favorite of mine too and I love having them for breakfast as well. I had some maple syrup with my crepes too. 

Breakfast at Lyfe Kitchen, Chicago

Another day in Chicago and we needed to have breakfast. We decided on a nearby Lyfe Kitchen for some healthier meals.

Here, the three of us had:

Omelette with Avocado

Black coffee

Steel cut oats with dried cranberries, toasted almond, Greek yoghurt and pure maple syrup

Blueberry buttermilk pancakes with Greek yoghurt and pure maple syrup

Cheese Popovers

I always love popovers, especially with cheese on top. They are simple to make and good for breakfast. They are light and they do not take too much effort to make. 

Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup flour (sifted)

½ tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 tbsp. melted butter
Grated Cheese as desired

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Put the popover or muffin pans inside. Sift together flour and salt into a bowl.

2. Whisk together eggs, whole milk, and butter in a bowl. Then add flour, whisking until combined (some lumps may remain). You can continue to whisk again to combine. 

3. Take out the pan from the oven and butter the molds using a brush. 

4. Pour batter into popover tin or muffin pan, filling individual tins two-thirds to three-quarters full. Sprinkle some grated cheese on top if you wish. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° and continue baking until puffed and browned, about 20 minutes more.

5. Remove from the pans and put them on the rack. (You can pierce sides of popovers with a toothpick to allow steam to escape, I don't do this) Serve immediately.

SQ 16 - Second Leg's Meal

For our trip from Seoul to San Francisco, we were served dinner and breakfast.

Dinner

 Starter: Hot smoked salmon and asparagus salad

Cod fish

 Green tea cake

Breakfast: muesli

Omelette