Dinner for Breakfast: Breaking Taboos at the Table
The act of eating breakfast for dinner is a common practice in many households, especially among those who are health-conscious. My wife and I fall into this category, experimenting with this delicious trend about twice a month.
For her, the choice of dinner varies widely, ranging from fish steak to chicken. However, the doctor-recommended approach is to begin the day with protein to avoid the sugar-induced crash a few hours later. An easy solution? Simply reheat leftovers in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal.
My go-to cheesy dad joke line: ‘Leftovers, I’ll be right over!’ This lighthearted remark adds a fun twist to our breakfast-for-dinner routine.
What is Considered Breakfast Food?
The definition of breakfast food varies greatly across cultures. In Japan, breakfast can include fish, kimchi rice, and chicken curry, which are more akin to dinner foods in the Western context. Indeed, in Jamaica, chicken curry can be a common breakfast item. In Israel, herring and a salad might be the typical breakfast, while scrambled eggs and bacon is a southern phenomenon in the U.S., considered equally valid for both breakfast and dinner.
The term 'breakfast food,' however, often conjures images of sugary, artificially colored, and flavored junk food from a box. Personally, I'm more concerned about the nutritional content than the meal's timing. Nevertheless, the concept of eating breakfast food for dinner doesn’t bother me.
Comfort Food at Its Prime
Dinner for breakfast is especially delightful, especially during the colder months. Eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, gravy, and big fat biscuits are the pinnacle of comfort foods. A Baked Denver Omelet or pancakes and waffles are equally appealing in a dinner setting.
A unique and deeply Southern dish is chocolate gravy on fat biscuits. This gravy, with its rich caramel-like taste, can also serve as a sweet dessert. The experience of consuming such a meal makes it feel like a comforting and cherished tradition.
The Backlash and Cultural Criticism
On the other hand, there are those who view eating breakfast food for dinner as an unholy abomination, indicative of societal decline and the imminent end of the world. While such views are not necessarily supported, they highlight the cultural and social significance of meal times and the specific foods traditionally associated with each.
However, let’s not overgeneralize. People who enjoy a hearty breakfast meal for dinner, complete with real maple syrup and butter on the pancakes and eggs cooked just right, are not necessarily immoral or corrupting the next generation. This is a matter of personal choice and preference.