A Parisian-Style Breakfast

I have always wanted to visit Paris. To bask in the glow of the streetlights hand-in-hand with my love, to sit by a window overlooking the river Seine while tasting the richly sweet decadence of a fluffy chocolate pastry, to gaze upon the glory of the Eiffel tower in it's illuminated brilliance...
I was desperately jealous when Ryan was sent there on business while I was sweating under a mosquito net in Haiti. I didn't complain, for I loved where I was, but that night, after making sure my mosquito net was sufficiently tucked in on all sides, I prayed for a day when I would be able to visit the romantic city.
And the day came.
Shortly after my husband and I were married, he was sent to Paris on business again and I was blessed with being able to go along!
One morning Ryan and I got up early to head out to the Louvre. We hadn't eaten and as we walked, our eyes scoured the streets for signs of a good breakfast. We stumbled upon a little corner cafe with a chalkboard sign that promised deliciousness. We entered the smoke-filled room and ordered espressos at the bar before selecting a two person table near a window overlooking the quiet morning streets. Neither of us knowing a lick of french beyond "Bonjour" and the "poor man's french" known as Creole I had picked up in Haiti, we decided to be bold and order whatever sounded best. Our bold move turned out to be a meal that we have continuously talked about since, and I have done my best to recreate. While my version isn't quite the same as the one we feasted upon in the little corner cafe, it will still delight your palate!

A Parisian-Style Breakfast

• Two pieces of bread (Preferably sourdough)
• Shredded cheese (I won't be specific because you can try any kind you like, or mix flavours. I prefer white cheddar and some parmesan)
• A thick cut piece of Ham (or however much you like!)
• A fried egg or two
• Butter
• And for a little Irish twist: Apple, Date and Walnut Chutney

Preheat the oven to about 350 degrees. Toast the bread and when it's done, lather both sides with butter. (Don't worry about keeping it hot, it will go into the oven later). Fry an egg however you like it.


Layer like this, from bottom to top:

1. Toast, slathered in butter
2. Ham
3. Chutney
4. Cheese
5. Toast
6. Egg
7. Cheese

Bake in the over for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to become a golden-brown. 

*The key to this dish it lots of cheese. If you choose to add chutney, the sweet and sour flavor mixed with the saltiness of the ham and the tangy-ness of the cheese is just divine. Tip: Don't add too much chutney because it can overwhelm your dish. Add a thin layer on top of the ham.

If any of you try this, I would love to hear about it! Post in the comments below how you liked it and what sort of twists you came up with to make it even better. I haven't found the exact recipe for how the little corner cafe made it, so I am up for delicious suggestions!

Bethany