Dear LPG, 

I recently read an article I wanted to register my agreement with. It was about the importance of remembering that breakfast is a meal that should not be overlooked, and I do agree (►►►) Most visitors who periodically read LPG’s pages will know me as the person whose kitchen experiments appear regularly as I do my best to recreate a monthly recipe from around the world and report on my average mastery of the kitchen’s version of its reproduction.

Reading that article got me looking on the internet for more unusual things consumed worldwide as the sun rises, and the World Wide Web did not disappoint. I found some interesting takes on breakfast, but one in particular made me stop and look again. In the video, there were a few things that I have encountered before in my relatively long existence on this planet (not to mention during my monthly LPG cooking adventures). You will remember my attempt to produce a simple bowl of Chinese Congee back in September 2022 (►►►) I cannot guarantee that my version was authentic. Still, my family enjoyed it, and I have served it for breakfast since, although I have reservations about some of the video’s suggested ‘first-thing-in-the-morning’ garnishes.

I suddenly stopped when I got to number 4 on the video’s list. I am sure that during my attempts to report on my efforts when it comes to cooking this and that, I might have mentioned that I have Jamaican roots, and while I grew up in London, I have experienced Ackee and Salt Fish on many an occasion. I have to admit that it is a somewhat acquired taste, but I have acquired it and regularly put ingredients on the pan to present the dish.

I can create a recognisable plate of this national delicacy, but I need to say that the results, even with all my experience, will never rival my mother’s version. I would have featured it, but because I have cooked it so often posting the results would not be a fair challenge.

When looking at what this video had to say about it, I agree that anything that your tongue is tasting, and eyes are seeing for the first time has to be thought of as ‘strange.

I have concluded that while there are some things in that video list that would invoke the same feelings that are seeing some of those ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’ taste trials leave me with, it might be interesting to see the reactions of someone from the other side of the planet to our country’s version of the  Full English.

CB, Lewisham 

CB offers us the video which sparked her comments…

(►►►)