Traditional English breakfast--need advice

[Eden]

I think at all the B&B's we were at the eggs were default scrambled - but I'm guessing that is for the convenience of the host, who already has a job in front of them preparing all that breakfast!

[NbyNW]

I also have fond memories of many such breakfasts, while hiking from one B&B to the next in Scotland . . .

DH is from New England and complains that the British baked beans are too tomato-ey and don't have molasses . . . I guess it's just a matter of style.

IMHO, why try to south-westernize it? I say let the generous donor offer up something that is authentic to her background and of which she is proud. Perhaps a little card on the tables explaining what is on the plate, and play up the novelty as to why it looks different from what they would get at any other local restaurant. If none of these people have had the opportunity to travel to the UK, it might be a first step towards broadening their horizons.

More important is that she's able to get bacon the way it's sliced and cured in the UK vs. here.

Anyway, baked beans and blood pudding are hardly the center-pieces of the meal. The amount of beans and pudding you get make them more like condiments. Kinda sorta.

[Tuckervill]

Well, I have to admit I am a little taken aback by pork n beans. That's low class to me, but it might not be to others. But you did clear up something, when you said, "no molasses". I'm guessing she likes the pork and beans better because they are not as sweet as baked beans here.

The card on the table is a GREAT idea. The bacon like in the picture will be fine. I was thinking "streaky bacon" which I never heard called that until I read Wikipedia.

I think it will be fabulous. Thanks,

Karen

[Bruno28]

To sum up -

Eggs - Traditionally they are served fried 'sunny side up'. But can be scrambled or poached.

Bacon - generally what we call 'best back bacon' (which refers to the cut) and personally I prefer it unsmoked (just in case you were thinking of inviting me )

Suasages - good quality pork sausages (see reference in earlier post)

Black pudding - a key component of the meal (tsk, tsk, jocelynlf)

Beans - always Heinz baked beans.

Fried bread is an alternative to toast for those who feel their cholesterol levels may be a bit on the low side. In Scotland a fried potato scone is another option.

All washed down with tea and orange juice. English breakfast tea is the preferred blend (the clue is in the name)

BTW over here this breakfast is known as a heart attack on a plate.

Hope it all goes well!

I should let you know that in the UK a strange yellow ball has appeared in the sky. Everyone in the UK has gone outside to look and wonder at this strange phenomenon, which appears to radiate heat. They may be gone sometime. Probably explains the lack of other uk responses.

[papaver]

I should let you know that in the UK a strange yellow ball has appeared in the sky. Everyone in the UK has gone outside to look and wonder at this strange phenomenon, which appears to radiate heat. They may be gone sometime. Probably explains the lack of other uk responses.

That's funny we can see it from here too. I wonder what it is.

[Bron]

Bruno has it spot on!

We always use Heinz beans too, they are really the only ones.

I also like mushrooms, but they are not essential.

The tea needs to be properly strong, served with milk and in a mug - fine china does not go with this sort of breakfast!

[Bruno28]

Oooops! I missed out the fried tomato.