Part 2/8:
At its most basic, breakfast during the Middle Ages included leftovers from the previous night—bread, cheese, or ale—and occasionally, something warm like porridge. As one moved up the social ladder, breakfast offerings became more varied. In the 14th century text "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," for example, the lord of the manor is described as taking a sop—an early breakfast of toasted bread, often dipped in ale or wine—to provide energy for a hunt. The term "sop" itself evolved into our modern word "soup," showcasing how these dishes changed over time.