Experience has shown that some foods are more acceptable at one time of
day than other foods, and that certain combinations are more pleasing
than others. The choice of foods will also depend upon the season of the
year. For example, breakfast is, as a rule, made up of simple foods that
are not highly seasoned nor subjected to elaborate methods of cooking. A
fruit, a cereal, and bread, with, possibly, eggs or meat, are served at
breakfast. A hot beverage is added by most people to this meal.
Fundamentally, dinner consists of a hot meat or other protein dish, with
one or two vegetables. Soup, salad, and a sweet dessert are often
served. The soup is served before the meat course, and the salad and
dessert follow it. The dessert may be a fruit, a cookie or other pastry,
a pudding, or a frozen dish.
Lunch or supper may be a very simple meal, consisting of a soup with
crackers, one protein dish (eggs, milk, or meat) with bread and stewed
fruit, or a salad, with a simple dessert.