There is the famous Full English Breakfast, with eggs, beans, sausages, tomatos, mushrooms, and toast (below). There is the American breakfast: bacon and eggs, maybe some Cheerios or corn flakes or pancakes. And of course there is the uniquely American tradition of brunch. Then there is: le petit déjeuner. It’s no surprise that breakfast is different in France. Does it perhaps have something to do with why the French are thin?
In France, there is no grabbing a bowl of cereal while standing at the kitchen sink. I once quizzed the Lyon Ladies (Nicole’s big group of French friends from Lyon who lunch together periodically) about le petit déjeuner. “Breakfast is an essential meal, like any other,” they told me. “It’s important to sit down for half an hour, to relax, to start the day in a stress-free manner”. On this they all emphatically agreed. Eating slow and easy: good for the body, the mind, and the diet.
And what do they eat? Mostly unsweetened yogurt, and perhaps a breakfast tartine: a baguette spread with jam or butter, or topped with a slice of gruyère. Though these days, a pain aux céréales, a whole-grain loaf, may take the place of the baguette. The offerings at le bougangerie are likely to look like the lavish spread pictured at the top.
Breakfast is taken with an espresso of course, and maybe un jus d’orange. This sort of light breakfast has spread across Europe, hence the English term, “continental breakfast”.
What the French do not have is a tradition of going out for a big breakfast at a restaurant. If you want breakfast while traveling, you pop into a café, where they will offer a tartine or a croissant, served with an espresso and orange juice (though for the chic and trendy French, especially the Parisians, American style brunches are popping up).
So now when you travel to Europe, you can order breakfast like a pro. And in the French fashion, be sure it’s leisurely!
RECIPE: A different sort of Breakfast
I was at my sister’s house recently, and for breakfast she pulled out a big plate of some delicious looking baked pears with pecans. “I keep some of these in the fridge all the time”, she said. “They make a great breakfast.”
Nutty, caramely baked pears for breakfast? I’m in! I made a batch right away, but I used apples instead, because that’s what I had on hand, though the pears were even better. I added oats and raisins to the filling, to make them even more breakfast-y, and I used just a small amount of maple syrup—honey would work as well— to caramelize them. They take just a few minutes to make, and then you’ve got a fabulous breakfast to look forward to, all week.
No recipe needed really. Here’s what I did, with my sister's advice: I cored the apples and cut them in half, and brushed them with maple syrup (or use honey). Then I put a handful of chopped pecans in a bowl with another handful of regular oatmeal. Raisins are a nice addition too. I added plenty of cinnamon (pumpkin pie spice, if you prefer), and just enough maple syrup to hold it all together. Add a sprinkle of cinnamond and bake them until they are as soft as you like; mine took 45 minutes, but pears might be quicker. We preferred them chilled, but zap them in the microwave if you wish.
This is a healthier version of the traditional baked apples, which are loaded with butter and sugar and are typically slathered with whipped cream or ice cream. Instead, fruit, nuts oats, minimal sugar— a breakfast fit even for the French!
For other breakfast recipes, a bit more decadent, check out this post on cinnamon biscuits, this post on baked eggs, or this post on morning buns.
In the COMMENTS: Your comments on Emily were most entertaining! I think y’all are equally split on loving or hating this “candy-coated romp”, as Jan calls it. I think my friend Nancy got it right—she alternates between watching “Emily in Paris” and “I Am A Killer”. Cuts the sweetness a bit. And Susan V., I’m with you in that the little digs at the French AND the Americans keep us amused. Meanwhile, Francine and Jan mentioned some good French Netflix alternatives, which I’ve listed below.
Favorite READS & VIEWS : A friend has given me a copy of Suite Francaise, which I'm looking forward to reading. For French or French-themed shows on Netflix, our readers recommend Lupin, Call My Agent! (Dix pour cent in French), Balthazar (violent) and Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip. One more for you: We are really enjoying the charming French crime series Candice Renoir, about a single mom of 4 who is a detective. Find it on Acorn TV, where you can find lots of British and French shows.
33 thoughts on “Is Breakfast the Secret to the Skinny French?”
Your sister’s pear sounds wonderful. I’ll certainly try—probably with apple first. I’m an avocado toast kind of breakfast eater, but I’d love something new. I’ve had Suite Française in my bookcase for years without ever making any headway. I think it’s time to try again. Thanks as always. I so look forward to your posts.
Best to you, Chris.
Your sister’s pear sounds wonderful. I’ll certainly try—probably with apple first. I’m an avocado toast kind of breakfast eater, but I’d love something new. I’ve had Suite Française in my bookcase for years without ever making any headway. I think it’s time to try again. Thanks as always. I so look forward to your posts.
Best to you, Chris.
Your sister’s pear sounds wonderful. I’ll certainly try—probably with apple first. I’m an avocado toast kind of breakfast eater, but I’d love something new. I’ve had Suite Française in my bookcase for years without ever making any headway. I think it’s time to try again. Thanks as always. I so look forward to your posts.
Best to you, Chris.
Hello Lynn! I really enjoy reading your blog and look forward to Friday mornings. Just a petite comment about Balthazar. I do not like to watch anything violent. Balthazar is really not violent at all. Like Candice Renoir (which we also love) there is a murder, but it is not shown. Balthazar is really about the relationships between him and his colleagues and the police detective. It’s a wonderful series!
Hello Lynn! I really enjoy reading your blog and look forward to Friday mornings. Just a petite comment about Balthazar. I do not like to watch anything violent. Balthazar is really not violent at all. Like Candice Renoir (which we also love) there is a murder, but it is not shown. Balthazar is really about the relationships between him and his colleagues and the police detective. It’s a wonderful series!
Hello Lynn! I really enjoy reading your blog and look forward to Friday mornings. Just a petite comment about Balthazar. I do not like to watch anything violent. Balthazar is really not violent at all. Like Candice Renoir (which we also love) there is a murder, but it is not shown. Balthazar is really about the relationships between him and his colleagues and the police detective. It’s a wonderful series!
Just started watching ASTRID on PBS Passport about an autistic
crime solver…….in french with subtitles.
Just started watching ASTRID on PBS Passport about an autistic
crime solver…….in french with subtitles.
Just started watching ASTRID on PBS Passport about an autistic
crime solver…….in french with subtitles.
Well,Lynn,you have absolutely done it again! These recipes have me drooling!OH MY GOSH! You and your sister have totally cornered the market on yumminess in the morning(or noon or night,for that matter).How could there possibly be a better way to savor the day??
And!Thank you too for the great viewing suggestions!I am looking forward to some super entertainment!
I have a couple of ideas for reading materials: “Skida Marink”(odd title,interesting story) by Guillaume Musso( the newest,I think).Though there are some in English,his books are mostly in French,but are not brain busting to understand.
Also: Cara Black and her Aimee LeDuc series.(Lots set in Paris)They are in English and are difficult to put down!.
Well,Lynn,you have absolutely done it again! These recipes have me drooling!OH MY GOSH! You and your sister have totally cornered the market on yumminess in the morning(or noon or night,for that matter).How could there possibly be a better way to savor the day??
And!Thank you too for the great viewing suggestions!I am looking forward to some super entertainment!
I have a couple of ideas for reading materials: “Skida Marink”(odd title,interesting story) by Guillaume Musso( the newest,I think).Though there are some in English,his books are mostly in French,but are not brain busting to understand.
Also: Cara Black and her Aimee LeDuc series.(Lots set in Paris)They are in English and are difficult to put down!.
Well,Lynn,you have absolutely done it again! These recipes have me drooling!OH MY GOSH! You and your sister have totally cornered the market on yumminess in the morning(or noon or night,for that matter).How could there possibly be a better way to savor the day??
And!Thank you too for the great viewing suggestions!I am looking forward to some super entertainment!
I have a couple of ideas for reading materials: “Skida Marink”(odd title,interesting story) by Guillaume Musso( the newest,I think).Though there are some in English,his books are mostly in French,but are not brain busting to understand.
Also: Cara Black and her Aimee LeDuc series.(Lots set in Paris)They are in English and are difficult to put down!.
I’ll have one of each of those pastries at the very top Lynn and of course a loaf of each type of bread. I would definitely skip that large plate of breakfast items. I could never eat all of that. Thank you for the other links which all are so tempting to make.
I’ll have one of each of those pastries at the very top Lynn and of course a loaf of each type of bread. I would definitely skip that large plate of breakfast items. I could never eat all of that. Thank you for the other links which all are so tempting to make.
I’ll have one of each of those pastries at the very top Lynn and of course a loaf of each type of bread. I would definitely skip that large plate of breakfast items. I could never eat all of that. Thank you for the other links which all are so tempting to make.
This is one I’ll definitely try. I hate making breakfast in the morning because I have to take my dog on his walk, which means getting dressed and feeding him, etc. Yes, his needs come before mine. Some mornings scrambling an egg seems like too much work (or is it the washing up I dread?).
This is one I’ll definitely try. I hate making breakfast in the morning because I have to take my dog on his walk, which means getting dressed and feeding him, etc. Yes, his needs come before mine. Some mornings scrambling an egg seems like too much work (or is it the washing up I dread?).
This is one I’ll definitely try. I hate making breakfast in the morning because I have to take my dog on his walk, which means getting dressed and feeding him, etc. Yes, his needs come before mine. Some mornings scrambling an egg seems like too much work (or is it the washing up I dread?).
Thank you, Lynn, for the pear/apple idea. I’ll be making those for sure! I know that eating breakfast is important even though I don’t have much of an appetite in the mornings. A “continental” breakfast works for me. Last spring when my husband and I visited our son, we stayed for a few days in a gîte in Puy-de-Dome. For breakfast, we enjoyed brioche dolloped with homemade wild cherry preserves. I’m still dreaming of it!
Thank you, Lynn, for the pear/apple idea. I’ll be making those for sure! I know that eating breakfast is important even though I don’t have much of an appetite in the mornings. A “continental” breakfast works for me. Last spring when my husband and I visited our son, we stayed for a few days in a gîte in Puy-de-Dome. For breakfast, we enjoyed brioche dolloped with homemade wild cherry preserves. I’m still dreaming of it!
Thank you, Lynn, for the pear/apple idea. I’ll be making those for sure! I know that eating breakfast is important even though I don’t have much of an appetite in the mornings. A “continental” breakfast works for me. Last spring when my husband and I visited our son, we stayed for a few days in a gîte in Puy-de-Dome. For breakfast, we enjoyed brioche dolloped with homemade wild cherry preserves. I’m still dreaming of it!
Hmmm, suspect that you, and the French, are on to something. Being a “black coffee only- before 10am person” has set me at odds with my “Healthy Lifestyle” nutritionist. As annoying is she is, it seems that some early protein keeps me from the mid afternoon calories that are the bane of my hips.
Hmmm, suspect that you, and the French, are on to something. Being a “black coffee only- before 10am person” has set me at odds with my “Healthy Lifestyle” nutritionist. As annoying is she is, it seems that some early protein keeps me from the mid afternoon calories that are the bane of my hips.
Hmmm, suspect that you, and the French, are on to something. Being a “black coffee only- before 10am person” has set me at odds with my “Healthy Lifestyle” nutritionist. As annoying is she is, it seems that some early protein keeps me from the mid afternoon calories that are the bane of my hips.
Ha!! Everyone was meeting here for a walk one morning – my french friend was early so she sat down at the kitchen table. I stood at the counter gobbling down my toast and coffee. Her comment was “I bet you eat all your breakfasts like that….” She did not say it kindly. At least I don’t only eat breakfast in the car any more……
Ha!! Everyone was meeting here for a walk one morning – my french friend was early so she sat down at the kitchen table. I stood at the counter gobbling down my toast and coffee. Her comment was “I bet you eat all your breakfasts like that….” She did not say it kindly. At least I don’t only eat breakfast in the car any more……
Ha!! Everyone was meeting here for a walk one morning – my french friend was early so she sat down at the kitchen table. I stood at the counter gobbling down my toast and coffee. Her comment was “I bet you eat all your breakfasts like that….” She did not say it kindly. At least I don’t only eat breakfast in the car any more……
sorry to inform, but the French rarely drink expresso in the mornings, most drink café crème.
sorry to inform, but the French rarely drink expresso in the mornings, most drink café crème.
sorry to inform, but the French rarely drink expresso in the mornings, most drink café crème.
Great shows you mentioned and I can’t help watching; Emily in Paris !
Great shows you mentioned and I can’t help watching; Emily in Paris !
Great shows you mentioned and I can’t help watching; Emily in Paris !