
Last year I took my team out for breakfast during our final week in the office to thank them for all their efforts throughout the year. Because I’m a thoughtful, caring boss. Plus they would have most likely lynched me if I hadn’t. The majority of us plumped for a traditional Ulster fry and I took a photograph of it for posterity’s sake. Approximately ten minutes after this picture was taken it was gone. I was a hungry boss that day.
If you ever visit Northern Ireland you should experience the delights of at least one Ulster fry. What does it consist of, I hear you cry? Well I’m so glad you asked. I give you eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, black pudding, potato bread and soda bread. All washed down with a pot of tea and several rounds of buttered toast. Put this bad boy away and you won’t have to worry about eating for the rest of the day, possibly week. Pro tip – best wearing elasticated trousers when you sit down to it.
Before you raise concerns about my health, I can assure you this was very much a treat and I don’t tackle one of these every morning. If I did, I’d probably be six feet under by now. Whilst I know longer drink, it’s viewed as a great hangover cure. The greasy fat soaks up all the alcohol although I’m turning mildly green even thinking about that. Most cafes in Belfast have this on their menus and there are even vegetarian options I believe.
I try to be careful about what I eat and exercise most days but, now and again, you have to slide off the wagon and have a treat. Especially in these most challenging of times. Christmas is a time for relaxation and stepping off the treadmill of life for a few days. January promises to be a long, dark month. COVID is still prevalent despite the arrival of vaccines. Please be safe wherever you are and enjoy your festive breakfast wherever you are.
Have never tried black pudding but would love to someday. That looks like a hearty meal indeed. Enjoy your little treats!
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It was indeed, Stuart. Thank you 😊
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The perfect way to start a good day of walking (when I’m over in the UK). There’s a bit of a debate though as to whether beans should be in or out of a small bowl. Personally I don’t mind either way (unless I’m washing up). 😊
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Beans are beans in my mind 😂
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I love this – my hobby is food everything; I had to look up Ulster Breakfast recipes which led me to farls and blood pudding; my mother was British, husband of Scottish descent so I have lots of recipes of this type. Luckily I don’t have cholesterol issues as I’m fond of organ meats and all carbohydrates (potatoes and breads at the top of the list) lol! I look forward to day two!
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Thank you very much. It’s posted now. Enjoy your breakfast 🙂
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You left out the tomato. I have not eaten black pudding. The tomato always surprised me because, in this country, it is not breakfast food! But I’ve learned whatever one eats first thing after rising IS breakfast food. 🤓😂
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I just eat what is put in front of me 😬
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Ah a see food diet- you see good and eat it!
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Looks yummy! But I have to ask: what is black pudding exactly? I have the very strong sense that what the Irish refer to as “pudding” is very different than the American definition.
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It’s a sausage containing pork, dried pigs blood & suet. I googled that 😂
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I want a full English please 😩
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That’s a few gym sessions to burn off 😂
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Reminds of breakfasts when I was in Scotland. Thanks for the post.
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You’re welcome 😊
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Id love to dig into that! Looks so yummy. My mother used to love black pudding (she called it blood pudding, but I believe it is one and the same).
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Yes. It contains pork, suet & dried pigs blood 🙂
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I am from Georgia. This looks like a southern breakfast with the sausage, eggs, bacon and soda bread and and buttery toast. We didn’t have beans or the pudding though. Most of my family came from Ireland, Scotland and Wales hundred or so years ago so this is probably the reason remnants of this breakfast still exists as a tradition here in the south. It’s a treat that I rarely eat now. Wonderful treat for Christmas morning, I would say. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!
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You’re welcome, Jenny. They sound very similar indeed. Thank you and Happy Christmas 🎄
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I also wonder about that black pudding. Do you like it?
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It wouldn’t be my favourite but I’ll eat it.
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I was watching James May’s cooking show yesterday & he made a hash with black pudding. It looked awesome.
With those beans on the plate, it made me think of being in Mexico … beans with every meal, even breakfast. Of course, they were refried beans in Mexico.
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These are baked beans in tomato sauce.
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I always thought that baked beans were a Boston thing. They’re famous for it, although most Americans also eat them. Did Boston bring them over here from Ireland? There are a lot of Irish in Boston.
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I would imagine so.
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Yeah it’s good to just relax and enjoy every now and then.
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Most definitely 🙂
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Soda bread, sounds interesting.
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You should try it 🙂
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Nicely written, keep up with your good word ❤️ it would be great if u go through my blog too! Thank you ❤️
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Thank you 😊
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I have never heard of an Ulster Fry until now. It sounds delicious and right up my alley! I love breakfast!!
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You must try one some time 😊
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Going anywhere in Ireland is on my bucket list. And now I have added the food! Yes
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You must definitely visit when it is safe to do so 🙂
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Looks yummy. Like you said, we don’t gobble it down every day 😊
Totally agree that “Christmas is a time for relaxation and stepping off the treadmill of life for a few days.”
Thanks for posting and happy and safe holidays to you, too.
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You’re welcome. Happy Christmas 🎄
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The ulster fry looks delicious. Hope your employees appreciate you as a boss not all bosses are that kind
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I think they do. Hope so 🙂
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Hope you and your family had a lovely 🎄 Christmas and I wish you all the best for the new year 🙂 That English breakfast looks great. It’s been so long since I’ve had anything like it.
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Thank you Martina and the same to you as well 🙂
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Wow
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Yep, I would gladly eat that and then some (after emptying the beans out onto the toast, of course!). P.S. could you please have a word with some other bosses out there, I know of several who could do with a gentle push in this kind of direction…
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I’ll do my very best 😊
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Glad to hear you are back home and recovering well. Thank you for sharing.
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That plate of food looks so good.
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It’s all gone now 😊
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