Continental Breakfasts

I inherited my love of food from my mom.

Growing up in a lower-middle class, single-parent household, money was tight. Mom is a foodie but we rarely went out to restaurants.  Instead, she found ways to infuse a specialness and wonder into simple, daily meals. 

Occasionally, mom would announce that Sunday would feature a “continental breakfast.”  Continental breakfast meant veggie omelets, toast, and home-made fries.  Sometimes, late afternoon “tea-time” would be accompanied by butter and cucumber or butter and boiled egg finger sandwiches, with the crusts cut out.  Whereas most of our meals were eaten sitting cross-legged, in a huddle, on the king-size bed, continental breakfasts and afternoon tea sandwiches were served formally on the dining table.  [Reema]