How Do Anglo-Saxons and Americans Find the Urge to Cook for Breakfast in the Morning?

The Angles, Saxons, and Danes originated from lands with a great inclination towards bacon. During the Anglo-Saxon era, which was prevalent from the 5th to the 11th century, most people, particularly peasants, typically consumed pottage, a one-pot meal akin to a porridge. Made from whatever local cereals could be grown, such as spelt, oats, and barley, it also included vegetables like turnips, herbs, and a small amount of meat. This porridge would simmer over an open fire for an extended period and was eaten with whatever meager time was available. A tradition deeply rooted in their diet, pottage became not just sustenance but a symbol of survival in the British Isles.

From Pottage to Modern Full Breakfasts

Nowadays, the descendants of these early settlers find solace and comfort in modern interpretations of traditional breakfasts. For instance, in our contemporary household, I start the day with a fortification of at least three cups of coffee, using a press filter to achieve a rich, unsweetened, and robust taste. Served in one mug, the coffee acts as a warm embrace to the day ahead.

Equipped with the coffee, it's time to fire up the grill and the hob, ready to commence a fry-up. This traditional dish requires a single-frying pan and must include some, but not all, of the following: eggs, back bacon, sausages, black pudding, blood sausage, mushrooms, small, medium, or large tinned tomatoes, baked beans, plus chips or fried bread (optional). My personal preference is toast, which the grill is designed for. Occasionally, I opt for porridge, whether made from oats or a crunchy oat-based cereal. This, however, is not quite the same as a traditional fry-up.

Historical Influence on Breakfast Traditions

The origins of the shared Anglo-American breakfast tradition can be traced back to the early days of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain. These pagans, after their arduous journey across the North Sea, stopped to offer a sacrifice to Woden, the god of wisdom and one of the names for Wednesday. Woden, known for his preference for bacon and eggs, suggested that the dish be cooked as an offering. Although he was not hungry, the Anglo-Saxons decided to eat the cooked breakfast, marking a significant shift in dietary habits.

The discussion of breakfast among the Northern European settlers included contrasts in culinary practices. The Picts of Fortriu and Fibhe, and the Scots of Dalriada, preferred a simple bowl of porridge made from medium oatmeal. However, they believed that adding a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of milk made it more delightful. The Scots, however, considered this too simple and were fond of enhancing their porridge with oats and other additions. Both groups were certain that no Christian would ever partake in the new breakfast dish, which seemed so at odds with their traditional practices.

A compromise was eventually reached. St. Aidan, after establishing the new monastery at Lindisfarne, and the Christianization of the Northumbrian King, these groups agreed to try the new meal. The Picts and Scots insisted on the addition of a tattie scone or potato bread, which turned out to be two names for the same thing.

An American descendant of an Anglo-Saxon from Washington, Northumbria, saw a film titled ‘Blazing Saddles,’ which led to an unexpected tradition. After watching the film, he decided to add beans to his bacon and eggs, which would later ignite the American War of Independence. This humorous contradiction underlines the far-reaching impact of historical and cultural traditions on present-day breakfast repertoire.

Modern Day Adaptations and Cultural Influences

Despite historical influences and cultural shifts, the Anglo-Saxon and American breakfast traditions continue to evolve. Today, both cultures embrace a blend of traditional and modern interpretations, ensuring that each day begins with sustenance, comfort, and nostalgia. Whether it's a hearty fry-up or a simple bowl of oatmeal, breakfast holds an irreplaceable place in daily routines. So, whether you prefer traditional pottage or a modern full English breakfast, the morning meal continues to be a cherished moment.

Reference: The story provided is a creative narrative that may or may not be entirely factual. The historical context provided is an amalgamation of known facts and fictional elements.