Instagram Ready

A simple toast/tartine for breakfast. Mostly healthy, beautiful and easy to make. All ready for Instagram!

Instagram Ready Breakfast

Oroweat Russian Rye
 TJ's whipped cream cheese
TJ.s mini heirloom tomatoes
TJ.s Pastrami style smoked salmon
 Capers
 Fresh basil
TJ's Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Polenta for Breakfast

Avril made an updated version of what she had as a child, "fried mush." We had polenta last night as a side dish with chicken. The leftover was spread in a square dish and refrigerated. Today she cut the solid polenta and sautéed in olive oil and butter. When caramelized she plated, the now soft center polenta, with a honey drizzle and chiffonade of basil. Breakfast is served!  

Fried Polenta with Honey and Basil

Meal Inspiration

As I surf the inter-webs sometimes ideas leap into my brain. In a Bon Appetit "Road Trip Week" article, by Rick Matinez,  he remembers tacos his parents brought along for their road journey. My kids'  memories would be of Triscuits and Easy Cheese, our warm weather road trip staples. In our defense we got a lot more creative after our arrival. During our vacations to Disneyland we would rent a hotel with a small fridge and a microwave. It was long before the days of prerequisite free hotel breakfasts, so we  brought our  Black + Decker toaster oven. It was almost like having our own secret kitchen. Breakfasts of toasted bagels with cream cheese or peanut butter were favorites. On a couple of days we bought very inexpensive Pan Dulce and orange juice from the Mexican Market next door. Trying to usher four kids around the market was like herding cats, so i promised them they could split  two packages of Pinguinos if they were good. Dinner items included hot dogs, frozen pizza and macaroni - cheese. For the vegetable-fruit meal components we bought snack packs of carrots, celery and sliced apples. We had the best times and did not bust the bank.

We decided on a small road trip to a local park today so I used Mr. Martinez taco for frugal inspiration. I put together some breakfast tacos and a thermos of coffee for less than three bucks. We drove past the Starbucks and headed to the park. Happy weekend!

Frugal Breakfast Taco

Happy Anniversary!

Princess Cruises is celebrating 50 years! We thought it was appropriate to celebrate our 40th anniversary on board the Golden Princess north to Alaska. Forty years! It was an arranged marriage, she was 6 and I was 9. Insert smiley face here!! ;)

Happy Fifty Princess Cruises!

 One of our favorite things to do on a cruise ship is eat! My favorite meal of the day is breakfast and the Golden Princess is a great place to eat it. I like to have two breakfasts! Breakfast number one is at 630 a.m. in the Piazza with coffee drinks and pastry.

Cappuccino Piazza Golden Princess Alaska

Pastry! Golden Princess Alaska

 Breakfast number one proceeds walking the decks for me, and Zumba for Avril. Got to work up an appetite for breakfast two at 1030! I have not had grits in many a day. So many breakfast choices in the Horizon Court Buffet!

Buffet Breakfast Golden  Princess Alaska

You Had Me at Bacon

Today I was inspired by Jamie Oliver and  made a bacon sarnie, also know as a bacon butty. My take on the recipe is pretty simple, crisp cooked Boar's Head bacon and buttered rustic sourdough. You could add some ketchup but why? Easy peasy!

Bacon Sarnie

Home Away

We had business in Fremont a few weekends ago. We booked a room at the Marriott Residence Inn, our choice place to  stay. We like them because you get what is equivalent to an apartment, a home away from home. We had two rooms, two giant televisions, lounging couch, kitchen, work desk, free Wi-Fi and dining table. On the grounds there is a fitness center, pool-hot tub and a barbecue. Best of all,  breakfast was included! I do love my breakfast.

Marriott Residence Inn Fremont, Ca.

I am a student of the science of maximizing an included breakfast. Being a avid cruise ship buffet veteran has honed my skills.  Let me give you a few hints.

 Check out the food and the competition. 
Walk the buffet and see what is available. Stroll  the seating area looking for a table and to see what others are eating. This can be a bit of a competitive experience, know the other players. If it is busy, secure your table and have your partner go for coffee, juice, required napkins and condiments. When  he/she returns individually go to the buffet and make selections. Do not overload the plate. Instead make return visits so you can add to your breakfast as foods are replenished.

Drop the toast.
I am a big toast fan and know that buffet toasters take forever. If you start toasting up front it will be hot and ready when you select your hot entree. The same method works for waffles. I have never  had someone steal my finished toast but I have caught someone trying to snatch my just finished waffle. Keep an eye on your waffle!

Take up space.
I learned this skill on the S.F. Muni! Stand tall and keep you arms out. This keeps marauding invaders from cutting lines. Be warned that being courteous may be a sign of weakness to some.

Leave room for dessert 
I always get my coffee in a go-cup so I can take some back to the room. Fresh fruit makes a nice dessert that can be enjoyed later as well.

A word of caution to photo bloggers: As you style and photograph your food others are watching. You may be creating food envy in those around you. They will offer to let you photograph their plates. To some it is a conquest to see how much food they can secure. Don't play that game.

Breakfast Marriott Residence Inn Fremont, Ca.

Breakfast Included Marriott Residence Inn Fremont, Ca.

This location was particularly nice because it was adjacent to a Raley's Market. We secured sandwich fixings, drinks, snacks and wine for meals later in the day. Like eating at home this substantially reduced our dining costs.
The only meal we had out was at Popeye's Chicken. I had heard rave reviews and had employees that would drive fifty miles round trip for dinners. It was located a block from the hotel so we checked it out. I had chicken strips, mashed taters and a biscuit. Loved it!

Popeye's Fried Chicken

I'm a Bagel Man

I love my bagels! In my brain breakfast is not complete without some type of bread. Lately I've picked a bagel as my muse. I prefer the smaller,denser, boiled before baking style. Locally I choose Redwood Bagel Company's whole wheat or poppy seed. I buy a dozen, slice them in half and stow them in the freezer. When breakfast beckons I pop a half in the toaster and top with savories from the refrigerator. Consider the bagel half a blank canvas: Be artistic and create beautiful edible art.

Clockwise from top.Poppy seed with cream cheese,tomato and olive tapenande; whole wheat with cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers; whole wheat with cream cheese, tomato and capers.