Unravelling the Mystery of the "Frühstücksbrettchen" (Breakfast Boards)

The purpose behind the smallest of our handcrafted wooden boards might not immediately resonate with everyone. In today's diverse cultural landscape, one aspect centers around these exquisite breakfast boards (Frühstücksbrettchen ~like this: Froo-shtooks-bret-chuhn - but not really😊).

While those raised in Germany immediately know the story and use behind this rectangular wooden board, some of our global acquaintances find themselves perplexed by this unique item.

"Exactly what are these breakfast boards for?" they ask.

We're always delighted to explain. Often, our friends begin to appreciate the charm of using the small board as an alternative to a traditional plate. Yet, lingering questions may remain.

To simplify matters, let's dive into the history of the German tradition surrounding breakfast boards.

 

The Purpose Behind Breakfast Boards

Let's dive into the heart of it: What exactly are these breakfast boards for and how are they used? In Germany, these small boards serve as substitutes for traditional plates during a particular dining occasion known as "Bread Time" (Brotzeit).

"Bread Time" is a dedicated period for enjoying sliced bread, pretzels, or rolls accompanied by an array of accompaniments. Much like the Danish tradition of Smørrebrød, Germans have a knack for topping their bread with an assortment of savory options.

It’s a broad spread (see what we did here?) including cold cuts and cheese spreads (Bavaria) and even smoked fish and scrambled eggs (Northern Germany) and of course the ever-present Nutella. 

These sandwiches (most open-faced) aren't served on a typical plate but on a small wooden board.

Honestly, the versatility of breakfast boards knows no bounds. Within our online store, they stand as a wonderful addition to complement our assortment of charcuterie boards.

Some people like to showcase these breakfast boards in their kitchen as a form of functional art. Children, in particular, love a warm cup of cocoa paired with a delightful peanut butter and jelly sandwich served on a breakfast board. And for anyone deep in study mode for a test or exam, a comforting hot drink and some cookies presented on a breakfast board offer much-needed emotional support. The possibilities are truly endless...

 

Diving into the Sentimental Significance of Breakfast Boards

In the realm of tradition, "Abendbrot" (Evening Bread) emerged with particular significance during the 1920s and the era of the Industrial Revolution. With an increasing number of workers having hot lunches at their workplaces, having bread in the evening became a convenient way to feed an entire family and enjoy quality time together without extensive kitchen efforts.

Adding a unique touch, Bread Time wasn't simply served on standard dining plates; instead, small, hand-crafted wooden boards were set on the table.

 

The use of small boards like ours traces back to the German LOVE for bread as a cornerstone food, known as "Grundnahrungsmittel" in our lexicon. While bread might be considered a mere side dish or filler in other cultures, in German culinary heritage, it has been honored for centuries.

Why is this so? One rationale stems from the Judeo-Christian tradition, where bread holds significant prominence in biblical narratives and rituals such as the communion rite. But more than that, German agriculture boasts an abundance of diverse grain varieties, while the practice of bread baking remains a loved and timeless craft in these regions.

Consequently, the typical German consumer today consumes over 85 kilograms of bread annually. With over 300 distinct bread varieties available in bakery shops nationwide, Germany holds the top position globally in terms of bread diversity and tradition.

Now, consuming over 230 grams of bread daily is more than just a casual affair on the side. For many Germans, at least one complete meal per day revolves around Bread Time ("Brotzeit"). This ritual involves serving sliced bread in various shapes and sizes alongside an assortment of toppings, spanning from cheeses to cold cuts, pickles, and sandwich spreads (-don’t forget Nutella ;-)).

While the Breakfast Boards represent a uniquely German tradition within our woodboard collection, we hope in all earnest, they can spread an appreciation for Brotzeit - Bread Time and family evening meals.

Perhaps, you might invent your own innovative uses for these delightful little breadboards? We're dying to hear your stories about your Bread Time and how you put our breakfast boards to use!