Macaroni and Peas

I know you’ve heard it before, but there’s a reason it’s been said so often: it’s true. After a night with no food, your body and brain need something to get them jump started for the day. This is especially true when you’re talking about the body and brain of a school age kid. While our adult days might be taxing, it’s nothing compared the stress of growing up and going to school.

The morning routine around here is crazy hectic. However, my son is adamant about having breakfast at home. I suspect this is because he’s not a morning person and likes to have the time to wake up before he has to get ready for school. He gets cold cereal without milk (his preference) and orange juice. We’ve been trying to get him to eat an egg with breakfast too, but it doesn’t always work out.

Protein gives a breakfast staying power and helps growing bodies…well, grow. Include some complex cards for energy throughout the morning. Try yogurt with fruit, oatmeal with an egg, peanut butter toast and orange juice, or cold cereal with skim milk. For a super quick, but really impressive breakfast, try french toast.

Fast and Fabulous French Toast

Ingredients

• whole grain bread
• eggs or egg substitute
• toppings of choice - light maple syrup, fruit, etc.

1. Whip up the eggs in a shallow bowl that’s big enough to hold a piece of bread.
2. Heat up a non-stick frying pan and coat with non-stick spray.
3. Dip the bread in the egg mixture and turn to coat.
4. Fry the bread until golden and crispy on the bottom - around two minutes.
5. Flip and cook the other side. It will cook faster - about a minute and a half.
6. Plate it up and add your favorite toppings.

For young kids, one slice is a decent sized meal. My six year old likes two slices with fruit - bananas or strawberries are a big hit. I use three eggs to coat four slices of bread.

Try it and let me know how your family likes it. I love being able to put an awesome breakfast on the table in less than 10 minutes. It’s a great weekday treat.