I mentioned tartines in a previous thread. I am finding myself truly enjoying breakfast these days. In past years, I would just get something down on the way out the door. Or choke down a bowl of cereal because it was quick. On weekends, I might have pancakes or an omelette or something but that was it.

Since I retired, I am exploring many new food horizons and there are many healthy, tasty ways people around the world eat breakfast. Tartines are basically what most French have in the morning. A tartine starts with a slice of rustic bread. No Wonderbread slices of (ugh!) white bread or mass produced wheat bread or whatnot. Do it right and get an artisan loaf from an actual bakery. Treat yourself to a flavorful slice of good, hearty bread. You'll be glad for it.

I like to toast the bread but many do not. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

The toppings are what make the tartine so delicious. Let your mind go wild! Avocado butter with kiwi slices? Sure! Homemade salsa with black beans? Why not? Slather onto the bread and chow down! Pair it with strong coffee (not what most people think of as coffee - do it right and make it good and strong) and you have a breakfast worth the time it takes to make it!

My favorite toppings are

1) For a rustic French dairy note, I chop up baby carrots, red pepper, scallions, mix with cottage cheese and season with pepper. A bit of Brie or Swiss on the side.

2) If I'm feeling North African, I chop green onion and garlic, sautée. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, toss them into the skillet with the garlic and onion. Throw in chickpeas. Chop a good handful of spinach and toss that in. Sautée until the tomatoes are cooked. Season with Italian seasonings and curry. That'll hold you through a good morning of work with a chainsaw, as I have found out, yet not leave you feeling heavy or sleepy as pancakes might.

I'm developing a Mexican-themed tartine with that salsa and black beans. I'll let you know how it comes out.

Try to include vegetables and protein in the topping. With the bread, it forms a complete meal that sits well and gives you energy for the entire morning.

Breakfast is now my favorite meal of the day!!!