Keisha Shakespeare, Staff Reporter
THE BREAKFAST table is the perfect place to start family togetherness on Christmas day.
Breakfast has been an ongoing tradition in the West since, at least, the early 20th century. In Jamaica, breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. In the rural areas, breakfast usually comprises
lots of foods from the farm. This is a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation over the years.
Gathering for breakfast has, over the years, been hampered by busy morning schedules. Many neglect or skip the meal entirely. But on Christmas day, families tend to make a special effort to dine together.
FIT FOR A KING
Christmas breakfast should never consist of the usual, everyday foods, but should be a feast fit for a king. According to Barbara Gloudon, radio talk show host, some people fatten a pig and use parts of it for breakfast. The kidney, liver and small cuts of fat are fried and used in ackee and saltfish.
She adds that other foods on the menu are: roast breadfruit, ackee and saltfish, boiled bananas, fruits, and chocolate beverage (tea). Another famous food on the breakfast menu is duck bread (a very large hardough bread made in the shape of a duck) and dill (smaller loaves shaped like ducklings). The bread is usually served with salted butter, as many people could not afford refined margarine.
Traditionally, families had Christmas breakfast at home but times have changed. Many cannot be bothered with the hassle of coking so they opt to go out. Most hotels across the island have a breakfast package where they try to create a family atmosphere. The menu usually includes traditional Jamaican foods. Chef Ivan Silk, executive chef at the Courtleigh Hotel said this Christmas and Boxing Day they will be serving real Jamaican foods.
Courtleigh's Hotel Christmas and Boxing Day menu
Callaloo
Escovietch fish
Jerk sausage
Bacon
Boiled banana
Baked cinnamon plantain
Fried dumplings
COST
$780 plus 10 per cent service charge.
Including continental breakfast- $990 plus 10 per cent service charge.
Buffet service will also be available along with the regular
breakfast menu.
