This morning, as I sat in the jumble of my hectic family kitchen, grabbing a couple of slices of toast before rushing out on the school run, my holiday near Tauranga's stunning Papamoa beach seemed like another lifetime. But if I close my eyes, I can remember the daily pleasure of a delicious breakfast on the beach, as I drank a glass of fresh orange juice and relaxed underneath my sunshade, with nowhere else I would rather be and not a care in the world.
Come to think of it, when your surroundings are that beautiful, it doesn't take much to rustle up the ideal breakfast. Just a couple of warm croissants will do it, or perhaps a fresh grapefruit shared with your significant other, sweetened with just a little sugar. Once you get back to reality, however, making the perfect breakfast is a lot more complicated.
So I've been trying to come up with ideas about how to recreate that 'breakfast on the beach' feeling when holidays are just a distant memory, or half thought out plans which might not ever come to fruition. Here are a few of my favourites so far:
Muesli
You might not associate muesli with holiday fun, but add some fresh pineapple, a handful of dried mango chunks and your favourite yogurt and you'll be well away!
Chocolate Porridge
Summer's long gone, so embrace the winter with this indulgent morning treat. Just add some cocoa powder to your porridge oats - about a tablespoon should do it - and sweeten to taste.
Virgin Cocktails
OK, so your boss might not be too impressed if you turn up at work having started the day with a cheeky Tequila Sunrise as you might on holiday, but you can still enjoy a little tropical flavour if the mood takes you. Try adding mango or pineapple juice to your morning OJ. If you like you can even pop in one of those cute umbrellas too!
Breakfast Quesadillas
My family just love quesadillas at breakfast time on holiday, so why not try them at home? You can add ham or bacon for a more filling experience, and they're also great if you need to eat and run.
Exotic Fruits
Don't just limit yourself to a glass of orange juice at breakfast, experiment! Try Passion Fruit in your cereal, or perhaps some sliced Papaya with yogurt. Yummy!
So there you have it - all the fun and glamour of breakfast on the beach without even leaving your front door. Or some of it anyway. See what ideas you can come up with. If nothing else, at least it'll help you pass the time until your next holiday!