Tintin Cooks: Breakfast and Brunch Meals

I remember my mother asking one of my previous suitors, "why do you like her, she doesn't even know how to cook?". I didn't disagree because I knew it was true. I know it's cliche but I actually have burnt an egg in the past. But I don't think I can put that down to my lack of cooking skills. I basically forgot that I was cooking an egg, so it turned out like a popcorn. Honestly, I was never really a fan of the kitchen. I can clean all day yes, but not cook.

But then sometimes changes in your life can make you do things that you thought you could never do. I know I have overused this phrase, but it's true. It only takes one life changing situation to change someone completely. So in recent months (in my bid to become a better version of myself), I started experimenting with food. Yes, I finally found love in the kitchen. I actually surprised myself. My cooking has been a revelation to me. I didn't realise that I can cook something that people can actually eat. I think it really helps when the person you are cooking for truly appreciates your cooking. I must say, I have never been this inspired to cook in my life. 

Above all my food experiments, I am most proud of my breakfast and brunch meals.

1. Champorado
- Even this I found difficult to cook in the past. I would usually buy a ready-to-cook champorado from one of the Filipino stores in Earl's court. Then one day I thought I'd try to cook it from scratch. And voila, a successful Pinoy breakfast.

Glutinous rice, dark cocoa powder and evaporated milk

2. The English Breakfast
- Believe it or not, I used to be a big fan of the English breakfast (except the black pudding). When I was working in Bristol, I quite often went to the bistro just for this deliciously bad food. However, when I moved to London I have completely forgotten all about it. Until recently when one of my favourite people requested  some protein for breakfast.
Sausages, bacon, beans, poached eggs, black pudding, shiitake mushrooms and brown toast

3. The Bagel
- One day in New York City, someone got excited over a street vendor's bagels. To me it looked like a plain round bread, nothing much. It didn't even taste that good. So bagel has never been on my list of foods to eat really. But about two years ago, I visited a friend and she served me bagel. For some reason, it tasted better and I liked it ever since.
New York Bakery Co Cinnamon and Raisin bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon served with scrambled eggs

4. Mixed Fruits
- When one of my friends saw this photo she thought I was weird. Apparently she has never seen poached eggs on top of mixed fruits with yoghurt before. Nor have I. I must admit I am a bit of a weirdo when it comes to food. But honestly, this recipe turned out to be good.
Strawberries, blueberries, banana and yoghurt with poached eggs

5. The Fumptous Breakfast
- The word Fumptous is not even in the dictionary. It was actually a word that came up while I was having a conversation with a clever guy. I am calling this breakfast meal "Fumptous" because it is my favourite from this group of breakfast/brunch meals. I love it because it looks really simple yet beautiful. Don't you think? And if you noticed, I am getting better with my poached eggs. :)
Mixed salad and smoked salmon on toasted wholemeal bread topped with poached eggs and served with grilled sausages

6. Eggs Benedict
- My favourite brunch meal I would say. I am so pleased that I was able to cook my own version of it successfully.
English muffin, spinach, bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce

7. Corned Beef
- I was worried I was running out of breakfast ideas. And then I realised that I haven't had corned beef in a very long time. To make it look more interesting, I laid some steamed spinach on the plate and put the corned beef on top. 
Fried corned beef and potato cubes on spinach served with  poached eggs

8. Healthy Muesli
- Of course sometimes I have to opt for a healthier breakfast option. And that option could only be muesli. It became one of my favourite breakfast meals over a year ago. And believe it or not, my favourite is the one from Lidl. This is also ideal if you are in a hurry.

And just to let you know, I don't use milk on any of my cereals. I eat them dry. But on this instance, I used yoghurt.
Muesli, yoghurt, honey and some mixed nuts and fruits 

9. The Filipino breakfast with a twist
- This recipe was intended for breakfast. But because we didn't have time to buy fresh food one evening, I didn't have a choice than to cook what was available in the fridge. Hence, the breakfast meal at supper. And instead of cooking new rice, we used the left over seafood risotto from the night before.
beef tapa, garlic longganisa, poached eggs and seafood risotto

I am glad that I have finally found love in the kitchen. If my poached eggs are anything to go by, I think I am ready to be a wife again. Well, not quite but we'll get there soon I'm sure. Haha.

 There you go, some breakfast and brunch ideas for you.
tintin x 

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