Früstück (Breakfast)

The other night, at a dinner party we were attending, I was asked if I missed "American Breakfasts". I laughed politely and promptly said no. The woman who asked then went on to describe her experience with our American breakfast; a monstrous plate piled with meat, eggs, pancakes, and potatoes, that left her feeling more than full for hours.

Now, I am well aware of that meal. It's the weekend restaurant breakfast, or the Christmas at Grandma's breakfast. It is not the every day breakfast of most Americans (which honestly, most days, only includes coffee and maybe a bagel). Yet, what tourist would see that?

Swiss breakfast, or Früstück, is a totally different, yet completely similar meal. It has all the same food groups as an American breakfast, but in other forms. Our pancakes or toast, get turned into the bread basket, complete with butter (lots of butter). The jams and jellies stay the same. The meats go from sausage and bacon to a deli tray of cured, sliced meats. There are sometimes eggs. Usually there is fruit of some sort. Now, added, and purely Swiss, is a cheese plate, and yogurt or Museli (see recipe below).

To me, this meal is just as extravagant as any I have ever had back home, but I love it. It has a much lighter feel to it, and a fresher flavor. It is, honestly, what we eat most mornings (every few days it will be just yogurt and fruit, if the fiance is in a rush), and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bircher Muesli

2 heaped tbsp rolled oats
3 tbsp milk or water
2-3 tbsp yogurt
1-2 tbsp honey
1 apple
fresh fruit, (1 peach or 1 banana, blackberries, strawberries or raspberries etc.)

1. Soak the oats in the milk or water for at least 20 minutes. Mix in the yogurt, honey and grated apple.
2. Divide between the two bowls and top with fresh fruit.

Easy Fresh Muesli

1/2 cup dry cereal or granola
1 container yogurt (plain or flavored)
Fresh fruit (whatever is in season)

1. Combine yogurt and fresh fruit. Top with cereal.

En Guete!