I get so frustrated when I see the Eggo and Poptart commercials. I know lots of parents feel like they don't have time to make their kids a good breakfast, so they turn to those quick and unhealthy fixes.
But really there are lots of things you can make and save time doing it.
Breakfast #1
Crock pot Oatmeal
•2 cups steel cut oats (not instant or rolled oats)
•6-8 cups water, depending on how long the oatmeal will cook
•1 tsp. cinnamon
•1/2 cup brown sugar
•1 tsp. vanilla
•2 apples, peeled and diced
•1 cup raisins
•1 cup sliced bananas
•1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Spray crock pot with nonstick cooking spray. If you're planning to cook the oatmeal 8 hours or longer, use 8 cups of water. If you want to cook it less than 8 hours, use 6 cups of water. Put first seven ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low. Just before serving, Stir in bananas and walnuts. Sprinkle with additional brown sugar if desired.
Serves 8, Iv cut this recipe in half and it serves my family of 4 perfect.
Breakfast #2
Buttermilk Pancakes
2 cups all-purpose flour (for a healthy alternative use whole wheat flour 1 1/12 cups and 1/2 cups wheat germ)
2 tablespoons white sugar (healthy alternative- honey)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup milk
2 eggs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake (for smaller pancakes) and 1/2 cup for large pancakes. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
This batter is also great for waffles if you have a waffle maker.
Now make these ahead of time and freeze between sheets of wax paper inside a ziplock bag. Then when its time for breakfast just pop these in the toaster and they are ready in minutes! Also serve with real Maple syrup instead of the "pancake" syrup.
Breakfast #3
Granola!
I loved this one
here.
And the great thing about granola is that you can add or take away lots of things. Don't like nuts, don't add em! You like cranberries? Add em!
My kids love granola, Iv made many variations, but this one is always a hit. They eat it with milk,like a cereal. Or they love to eat it over plain yogurt with a side of fruit.
Breakfast #4
Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie-
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoons peanut butter
1 banana
6 fresh strawberries, hulled
10 ice cubes (or no icecubes if you use frozen fruit)
Blend all ingredients well and enjoy!
Note- this is obviously only for one serving, so double or triple if necessary. This is great on the go breakfast.
