Continental Breakfast

Continental breakfast is very popular in European countries, especially in England. Wondering what continental breakfast is? The name gives an impression that it must be something to do with a lot of yummy dishes. However, continental breakfast is exactly the opposite of it. It is a very simple meal, which consists of only four-five dishes, which are very light.

The things that come to our mind when the word breakfast is said is bread butter and omelet, continental breakfast does not contain either of it. It is quite typical; you will find pastries, yogurt, marmalade, orange juice, cereal and sliced fresh fruit. Though continental breakfast is healthy, it won't help for long. However, it is convenient and inexpensive, that is why you will find continental breakfast in majority of the European hotels. The following are recipes of some of the main dishes found in a continental breakfast.

Continental Breakfast Ideas

Flaky Butter Croissants
Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, softened and divided
• ¾ cup milk, scalded
• 1 pkg dry yeast
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup warm water
• 2 tbs sugar
• About 3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbs shortening
• 1 tsp salt

Process

Firstly dissolve yeast in warm water, when completely dissolved let stand for about 5 minutes, set aside. Take a large bowl and mix sugar, salt, milk and shortening in it, chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Add in yeast and egg to the mixture, mix well. Now add in flour until soft dough is formed. Place the dough in a well-greased bowl, cover and chill for 1 hour. After the required time, place the dough on a flat and lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 inch square. Spread ¼ cup of the butter on the dough, evenly. Now slowly fold the corners to the center, then fold the entire dough in half. Wrap this folded dough into a wax paper and chill for 30 minutes. Repeat the entire procedure of buttering and folding twice and chill for 1 hour after the last rolling. Cut the last roll into two parts. Roll each of the parts into a 14 inch circle on lightly floured surface. Cut the rolled dough into 8 wedges. Roll out these wedges then seal the ends and points, place point down on greased baking sheets. You can shape them into crescent shapes. Let the dough rise before baking, for about 45 minutes. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Fruit Marmalade
Ingredients

• 2 lemons
• 900 g oranges or a mixture of oranges and grapefruit
• 1.75 kg granulated sugar
• 2.5 liter water

Process

Wash the fruits, cut them into halves, squeeze the juice into a large heavy stainless steel saucepan or preserving pan, set aside. Tie the membranes and pips in a muslin bag also cut the fruit peels into thin shreds. Add the muslin bag and peels to the saucepan along with 2.5 liter water. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and let simmer for about 2 hours, uncovered. Remove the muslin bag and let cool. When the mixture is completely cooled, squeeze back liquid into the saucepan, if any. Add sugar to the saucepan, decrease the heat to low, stir occasionally until completely dissolved. When the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium and boil for about 15 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes, stirring gently. Ladle marmalade into jars, cover and seal. Store in cool dark place only when cooled.

Scones
Ingredients

• 1/8 cup white sugar
• 2 tbs milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup margarine
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• ½ cup milk
• ½ tsp baking soda

Process

Preheat the oven to 425ºF also line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take a large bowl, sift cream of tartar, salt, flour and baking soda in it. Gradually add butter until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs then add milk and sugar until soft dough is formed. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead well and roll out to a ¾ inch thickness. Cut into 2 inch rounds. Place these rounds on the prepared baking sheet, brush lightly with milk just for glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm with jam, clotted cream or butter.

These were some of the continental breakfast recipes. Though these recipes are difficult to prepare, compared to our quick breakfast, you can store all these breakfast items so you don't have to waste time everyday. These recipes along with cereal and fresh fruits will be considered good continental breakfast buffet ideas.