Back-to-School Breakfasts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Do you remember those great Staples commercials?  I still smile when I think of them!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

It’s Back-to-School time here in South Jersey, and with one week left before school starts, it’s time to get back into the old routine.  My son goes off to high school this year (when did that happen?), so our mornings will start earlier than ever.  Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here are some breakfast tips I’ve found especially helpful:

Tips for getting breakfast on the table in a hurry:

• Hard boil eggs on the weekend for a quick breakfast, egg salad sandwich or afternoon snack.
• Make and freeze your own waffles or pancakes ahead of time.  By making them yourself, you can use whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners, plus you avoid any preservatives or chemicals.  You can thaw out the number you need in the refrigerator the night before, and reheat in the toaster – just like store-bought!
• Buy your fruit whole, wash and cut it up on Sunday night, and store in containers in the refrigerator.  Some fruits like apples or peaches may need a squeeze of lemon to keep them from turning brown.  This is cheaper than buying pre-cut fruit and really only takes a few minutes to do.
• Keep peanut butter and jelly in your pantry.  PB&J can be eaten at any meal and is especially good in a wrap or even a smoothie!
• Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit keep a long time in your pantry, and they really fill your kids up, too.
• Make a menu.  Choose a few breakfasts that your kids really like, type up a menu, and always have the ingredients on hand.  When your kids get up, they can choose from the menu.  This can be as fancy or as simple as you like.

7 Breakfasts for Busy Mornings

1. Hard boiled egg, whole wheat crackers, grapes.
2. Whole wheat toast with peanut butter, apple slices.
3. Waffles (pre-made) with maple syrup, melon cubes.
4. Pancakes (pre-made), unsweetened applesauce.
5. Fruit and yogurt smoothie (see recipe below), hard boiled egg.
6. Unsweetened yogurt (we love Greek yogurt around here) drizzled with honey and topped with almonds and peach slices.
7. Overnight Oatmeal (see recipe below).

I must confess that I love a hot breakfast.  The last three ideas are for days when you have the time and only a hot meal will do.

1. Scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast, tomato slices.
2. French toast with maple syrup, raisins, and pecans.
3. Egg McHome Sandwich – fried egg, slice of Canadian bacon, and cheddar cheese on a whole wheat English muffin.

Smoothies are the perfect fast food – easy to make and fast to drink!

Pineapple/Mango Yogurt Smoothie – serves 1

Ingredients:

• 6 oz container vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks, unsweetened

Directions:

1.  Place ingredients in a smoothie maker or blender.  Blend for 15 to 20 seconds until smooth.

2. Serve immediately with a colorful straw!

A Down-Home South Jersey original recipe.

Combine your ingredients the night before for a no-cook breakfast in the morning.

Overnight Oatmeal – serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 medium banana, chopped
• 2 tsp chia seeds (optional)
• dash of cinnamon

Directions:

1.  Place ingredients in a canning jar.  Cover, shake to combine, and refrigerate overnight.

2.  In the morning, stir contents of jar and pour into serving bowl.  Add your favorite toppings.  Breakfast is ready!

Recipe adapted from skinnytaste.com.

What’s your go-to breakfast for back-to-school?

Further reading:  10 ways with eggs