As the kitchen lights come on, the first aroma to bloom is that of freshly brewed coffee—rich, slightly bitter, and comforting. The steam curls upward as I take slow sips, grounding myself and gently coaxing my senses awake. The coffee acts as both companion and anchor, keeping me present through the morning haze.
Soon, the sweet sharpness of sliced red onions hits the warm pan. As they sauté, their pungency softens into a mellow, caramel-like fragrance that fills the kitchen. This scent blends seamlessly with the buttery warmth of eggs cooking, creating a familiar, soothing backdrop that signals the start of a new day.
The crisp freshness of lettuce, rinsed and patted dry, adds a clean, green note to the air—light and refreshing, balancing the richness of the cooked elements. When the cheese begins to melt slightly over the warm egg, it releases a creamy, savory aroma that brings everything together.
Mindset During Preparation:
At this hour, the body may still crave rest, but the mind is gently focused. Each step—slicing, sautéing, assembling—is done with quiet intention. There is no rush, only the steady motivation that comes from wanting my son to start his day well-fed and cared for.
While sipping coffee and staying awake through muscle memory, my thoughts drift toward him—his day ahead, his energy, his comfort. The sandwich becomes more than breakfast; it is reassurance, familiarity, and consistency on a plate.
Love, in these moments, is practical and silent. It is choosing to cook even when tired, to pay attention to small details, and to prepare food that is simple yet thoughtful. This open-faced egg sandwich carries warmth, effort, and presence—things a child may not name but will always feel.
In that quiet morning kitchen, love is layered gently, just like the sandwich itself.
Ingredients (Serves 1):
1 slice of bread (wholemeal or sourdough preferred)
1 egg
2–3 tablespoons red onion, thinly sliced
1 slice cheese (cheddar or mild processed cheese)
Fresh lettuce leaves
1 teaspoon butter or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Method:
Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. Add the sliced red onions and sauté until soft and lightly caramelised. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, crack the egg and cook to preference (sunny-side up or lightly set). Season gently with salt and pepper. Toast the bread until lightly crisp. Assemble by placing the egg on the toast, followed by sautéed onions. Lay the cheese on top so it softens slightly from the heat. Finish with fresh lettuce, adding a crisp contrast to the warm layers. Serve immediately.
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