Breakfast in France, Italy, Belgium, and Luxembourg

Breakfast in France, Italy, Belgium, and Luxembourg

These are the countries that define the term "Continental breakfast," paring down the morning meal to the absolute minimum of stimulant and sustenance: coffee and bread. In France, the most common coffee choice is café au lait, served in a large ceramic bowl, although, of course, there are those who opt for other beverages, say black coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Similarly, in Italy, the choice is most likely to be cappuccino, caffe nero, tè, or latte al cacao. In both cases, the bread is usually a croissant, brioche, or slice of toast, served with butter and preserves.