Make your own cafe-like breakfast!
I went to Lean & Rich awhile back and loved the Apple & Brie Toast so decided to remake it myself. Cos cafes these days really be breaking the bank, including the taxes 🥲
🍞 For my toast, I used Apple Jam (got mine from Japan. You can also use real apples slice/mash them and add a bit of sugar to make your own home jam) and added some cheese (brie cheese is the best for this combi but you also use those processed cheese which is more common at home). The sweet and savoury combi is amazing. I got my white bread from Gokoku, the Japanese bread shop. Their white bread somehow hits different, imo.
☕️ Homemade café latte 👌
🍯 The other drink is my morning drink. It comprises: manuka honey, chia seeds and lemon. I will have this every morning without fail. It's a habit my mom passed down to me and I love her for that. I also influenced my hubby to drink this once a day.
Eat well. Be well. ✨️
As someone who used to enjoy breakfast outings but found the rising costs a bit overwhelming, recreating my favorite cafe dishes at home has been a game changer. One highlight is the Apple & Brie Toast, inspired by the version at Lean & Rich. Using apple jam or fresh apples cooked into a jam provides the perfect sweet base, balanced wonderfully with the creamy, slightly tangy brie cheese. If you don’t have brie on hand, processed cheese can work too, especially for a quick and comforting option. For the bread, I recommend trying Japanese-style white bread like that from Gokoku if you can get it — its texture and softness truly elevate the toast experience. But even standard thickly sliced white bread works well and is more accessible. The key is toasting until lightly golden and then layering your apple jam and cheese while warm. To complement the toast, a homemade café latte made with your choice of milk and espresso or strong brewed coffee adds that cafe charm without the costly markup. You can froth the milk using a simple whisk or frother to get that creamy top. Another favorite morning beverage I adopted comes from a tradition passed down by my mother: a refreshing drink made of manuka honey, chia seeds, and lemon water. Manuka honey’s unique antibacterial properties, chia seeds’ omega-3s and fiber, plus the detoxifying benefits of lemon create a nourishing start to the day that also boosts hydration and digestion. It’s easy to prepare: just mix a teaspoon of manuka honey with a tablespoon of chia seeds in warm water, squeeze in lemon juice, and enjoy. This routine not only provides energy but also supports overall well-being. Creating your own cafe-like breakfast at home can be both fulfilling and budget-friendly. It’s a chance to experiment with flavors and ingredients you love while developing new habits that nourish both body and mind. Plus, the satisfaction of making something delicious from scratch is unbeatable. Whether you’re working from home or easing into your weekend, these simple recipes offer a cozy, indulgent start that doesn’t break the bank. Remember, the joy of cooking comes from customizing to suit your taste — try adding cinnamon to your apple jam or swapping brie for goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Feel free to experiment with different breads or add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. This approach turns ordinary mornings into special ones, and who says you need to spend big to eat well and feel good?
