Chicken for breakfast?

At the risk of contributing to America's obesity epidemic, it's time for me to fess up to my own fast food kryptonite - breakfast sandwiches.

I love 'em and, in order to not succumb to the Sirens' call of the drive-through during my morning commute, I have to eat something before walking out the door.

Right after Hurricane Ike, my features editor told me I endeared myself to her forever when I brought her a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit one morning.

Like most Southeast Texans who did not evacuate, she hadn't had a decent meal, smelled kind of funny and looked like she could sleep for several days, but her face lit up like the Fourth of July when the aroma hit her face.

She savored every bite, holding it close to her bosom and walking around the newsroom - the envy of all.


Since the glorious return of electricity, fast food joints are as busy as ever. Last week the McDonald's on Dowlen Rd. by Parkdale Mall sported an impressive line wrapped around the parking lot at 8:30 a.m.

Mickey D's is, of course, the creator of the aforementioned breakfast sandwich. Its Egg McMuffin has been going strong since 1972.

The McMuffin's creator, Herb Peterson (right), passed away this past March at the ripe old age of 89, which makes you wonder how many of his creations he ate in his lifetime.

Side note: The Egg McMuffin is actually one of the healthier breakfast items on the golden arches menu with only 300 calories and 12 grams of fat.Lately though, I've been noticing a new trend in the start-your-morning-with-a-coronary food group, namely that of chicken biscuit sandwiches.

What-a-Burger and McDonald's have chicken biscuits, as does Chick-fil-a (sort of a no brainer for them), and Jack-in-the-Box just added one to their all-day breakfast menu.

Now, the thought of fried chicken, plus buttery, syrupy, waffle goodness sounds like a winning combination, unless you're trying to win any healthy heart contests.

But when did fried chicken become a worldwide breakfast sandwich option? And what's next? Buffalo wings for breakfast?

Can you imagine saying to someone, "I'm going to stop by Hooters on the way to work and grab a quick dozen wings to start off the day?''

Next thing you know, blue cheese dressing will be on the syrup aisle and, if that happens, I won't have any trouble kicking this cholesterol-raising habit of mine.

Ed. Note: This is the first of my new food column, "Check Please." It will run in the print edition of The Beaumont Enterprise every Wednesday, but I'll be posting it online Tuesday afternoon.