We all know that breakfast can set the tone for your entire day. Whether you meal-prep an egg casserole to eat throughout the week, make a berry-packed smoothie to enjoy on your way to work, or prepare overnight oats to pair with a cup of coffee in the morning, there are so many breakfast options to choose from.
What I love about breakfast is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Plus, many creators and chefs share their favorite breakfast recipes on social media, which I love to reference on mornings when I have no idea what to make. Some are a bit too complex for my skill set, so when I came across what Ina Garten likes to eat for breakfast—a simple, two-ingredient classic—it reminded me that the first meal of the day doesn’t have to be complicated at all. Plus, the combination couldn’t be more relatable.
Ina Garten Says Her Favorite, Everyday Breakfast Is Simply Coffee and Toast
The Barefoot Contessa is famous for many reasons, especially her incredible recipes, including the flakiest, fluffiest biscuits and a delicious apple crisp. Although her skills are much more advanced than mine, she keeps her daily breakfast simple: a cup of coffee and a slice of hearty toast.
Ina participated in Air Mail’s “Good Life” questionnaire series on Instagram, where the chef revealed her go-to breakfast that couldn’t be more relatable. “Every morning, I drink Dallis Brothers Coffee—the Ellis Island Blend—and toast Eli Zabar’s health bread,” she said. Once 10:30 a.m. hits, she makes herself a cup of Mariage Frères Marco Polo tea with honey.
In an interview with Amy Poehler, Ina spoke more about her favorite, everyday breakfast, mentioning that she adds a touch of French butter to her bread and a splash of milk to her coffee. It’s as simple as that.
If you’re curious about the easy yet tasty way Ina begins her day, you’re not alone. Eli Zabar’s Health Loaf is made with stone-ground whole grains and seeds, including flax, sunflower, and sesame. If you’re in New York City, you can pick up a loaf of the bread for yourself, or you can buy a half loaf of the health bread for $7.98 on its website.
The Ellis Island Blend from Dallis Brothers Coffee is a bright, spicy, and smooth medium roast that tastes great black or with milk or creamer. If you want to start your morning like Ina, you can buy a 5-pound bag of whole-bean coffee for $86, a 12-ounce bag for $16, or a 12-ounce bag of medium grind for $16.
Ina previously shared another go-to breakfast: McCann’s quick-cooking Irish oatmeal. She explained on a Q&A on her website that she puts ⅓ cup of oats in a bowl, adds 1 cup of water, and then microwaves it on high for 4 minutes. To finish, she tops it with a little salt, a bit of butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Whether you’re eager to go back to basics with toast and coffee or want a sweet, warm bowl of oatmeal, these meals are so tasty yet straightforward that you’ll find yourself saying Ina’s famous catchphrase, “How easy is that?”
