My B&B hosts many guests who are involved with the University, a ten minute walk away. This week I have had a marine biologist from a very warm climate and two paleontologists as guests. When the two latter guests were booked the description was Paleo and as I always make notes as to my guests dietary requirements I was thinking of course Paleo diet. I greet my guest warmly and remark on her diet, she replies she is a paleontologist and actually does not eat meat. We both enjoyed the moment and the breakfast menu was revised somewhat. :)

Breakfast has always been my favorite meal to make. After a good night's sleep, the first meal of the day is very important.  Setting the tone for the day, fire on in the dining room, cloth napkins, pretty dishes, centerpiece. Soft background music. Creating an experience for whomever sits at my table.

I always like to start with a fresh fruit dish, since many of our mornings are cold or cool, it is usually a warm fruit dish like Braised Maple Pears with Strawberries and a touch of cinnamon. I always use local butter, maple syrup and local fruit as much as I can. (We have very long winters here.)

For this dish I halve and core a pear. Hull and halve six strawberries for each pear. Place a pan on low heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add pears to pan, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon. Turn pears for about two minutes. Cover pan for five minutes. This also depends on ripeness of pears. Uncover pears, add maple syrup. Now I never actually measure but am thinking about 1/4 cup. Turm heat up slightly let caramelize lightly. Throw in strawberries for 1 minute. Plate and serve. Yum, delicious, tasty are the usual reactions from my guests. My reaction Happy! TIP Always warm plates, I keep mine at the back of the stove top.

This first course is accompanied by a fresh baked pastry or muffin. Main course is an egg dish along with a side of bacon or sausage, toast and local preserves. Juices, tea, coffee accompany the meal.

Cinnamon Apple Souffle

Guests sit down at the table as strangers and most often the conversation begins to flow as the coffee is served and then the magic happens. No matter where people are from there is always something significant they have in common. This sparks connections, friendships and memories. We have had guests from Saudi Arabia, Asian guests from California and Canadian guests who stayed for a couple days. The delightful Asian guests taught English to others immigrating and they all left as good friends with English lessons set up by Skype with our guests from Saudi Arabia.

Another American guest came looking for her roots and our local guests from the northern part of the province through conversation at breakfast came to the realization the two women were related! This led to them spending the day together and ending it under the stars by the river that evening as we watched the eclipse all together.

Breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day especially around here.