A plate heaped with crispy bacon, juicy sausages, perfectly fried eggs, golden-brown toast, and a side of savory beans. This isn’t just any breakfast—it’s the iconic Full English, a meal that can fuel you through the day and then some. But what happens when a Texas native, who’s never set foot in England, decides to recreate this British classic at home? You get a homemade Texas version of a British brekkie, and let me tell you, it’s a culinary adventure worth embarking on.
The Full English breakfast, sometimes affectionately called a ‘fry up,’ is a beloved institution in the UK and Ireland. It’s so ingrained in the culture that you can find it served all day long as an all-day breakfast option. The traditional components include sausages, back bacon, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread, and beans. It’s a hearty plate that promises satisfaction and a touch of indulgence.
The Texas Twist: A Journey of Flavor
Let’s dive into the heart of Texas, where the breakfast landscape is dominated by dishes like breakfast tacos, kolaches, and barbacoa. It’s here that our culinary journey begins, with a local Texan and their partner, Mike, who have embarked on a mission to craft their own version of the Full English. Mike, having savored the authentic experience in London, was already a fan. But it was a conversation with an English expat, pining for the breakfasts of his homeland, that sparked the couple’s interest in this hearty meal.
The obsession with the Full English began with a single photo—a photo that transformed skepticism into a craving. The image of a loaded plate, brimming with breakfast delights, was enough to set the couple on a quest to gather the necessary ingredients and recreate the magic at home.
Preparing the Ingredients: Quality and Substitutions
In the spirit of true Texan hospitality and innovation, they scoured local markets and butchers to find the best substitutes for traditional British ingredients. They opted for regular breakfast sausages and even included black pudding, a staple for many Full English aficionados. Back bacon, a cut that includes a bit of loin similar to a thin pork chop but smoked, replaced the crispy American bacon we’re all familiar with. The eggs, tomatoes, and mushrooms were prepared as per tradition, with sunny side up eggs, seared tomatoes, and caramelized mushrooms.
But let’s not forget the toast—no ordinary toast, mind you, but bread fried in butter or oil, a crucial element that has sparked many an online debate. And of course, the beans. While beans for breakfast might be an alien concept to some, they are an essential part of the Full English. The couple chose Heinz beans, a brand synonymous with the English breakfast experience.
Cooking and Assembly: The Art of the Fry Up
Preparing a Full English is an exercise in multitasking, requiring a bit of juggling and the use of two pans. The beans are gently warmed while the sausages and bacon sizzle alongside. If black pudding is on the menu, it joins the fray, frying until just right. In another pan, mushrooms take on a golden hue, and tomatoes get a quick sear. The meats are then shuffled to make room for the bread to fry in the delicious drippings, and the eggs are cooked to sunny perfection.
The assembly of the plate is an art form in itself. Beans take center stage, surrounded by a clockwork arrangement of bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, tomatoes, and mushrooms. The fried bread finds its place, ready to soak up the flavors of the feast.
Enjoying the Feast: A Breakfast to Remember
Mike and I had the pleasure of enjoying this Texas-infused British brekkie on a snowy morning, and it was nothing short of magical. The hot tea, the cozy atmosphere, and the satisfaction of creating something truly special from the comfort of our own kitchen made it an unforgettable experience.
To accompany your Full English, a hot beverage is essential. Tea is the traditional choice, but coffee is equally acceptable. Add milk, sugar, or cream to taste, and sit back to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
In crafting your own Texas version of a British brekkie, remember that it’s not just about following a set of instructions. It’s about the joy of cooking, the pleasure of experimenting with flavors, and the love of sharing a hearty meal with those you care about. So, whether you’re a seasoned Full English aficionado or a curious newcomer to the dish, embrace the adventure and make it your own. Happy breakfasting, y’all!
