Regency Reader Question
what you eat at break fast
| Source of Question | Just curious |
| Additional comments |
Thank you, Regency Reader, for the question! I am assuming you are curious about what Regency folks ate for breakfast and not me (this morning a bagel and smear…but usually a yogurt or smoothie).
Depending on the class of person, breaking the fast for the day may happen at daybreak or mid day, or somewhere in between. Most sources say the non worker ate around 9 or 10 am.
Whey, hot buttered rolls or toast might make a simple meal and sometimes I have seen text recommend an invalid take an egg as well or a little gruel.
Larger breakfasts might include bacon or rashers, eggs (boiled, poached, scrambled or fried), kippers, kidneys, chops, toast, rolls, other types of meats, butter, cake and preserves.
A New System of Domestic Cookery … By a Lady (1818) recommends cocoa as a “light wholesome breakfast” or a variety of eggs and tea.
Tea and chocolate (much darker and stronger than today’s sweet hot cocoa) were popular morning drinks, although some wealthier homes may have taken coffee.
I had a shorter post many years ago with two sample breakfast menus: https://www.regrom.com/2008/11/07/regency-dish-breakfast/
To read more about Regency breakfasts: https://www.lib.umich.edu/blogs/beyond-reading-room/dining-jane-austen-i-breakfast-georgian-england
http://www.rth.org.uk/regency-period/family-life/mealtimes
I hope this answers your question! Keep the questions coming, I love to hear what your interests are!
