BREAKFAST IDEAS

TIPS FOR CUTTING COSTS AT BREAKFAST:

Oatmeal or Kamut

We had to stop buying cereal in our house.  Between the kids, an entire box was eaten in a single sitting.  We go through a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs every other day. We had to find other means of feeding the family for less at breakfast.  We saved significant money on our grocery bill by switching to hot cereal. 

Here is the trick, buy oatmeal in the bulk section.  We buy oatmeal by the bag (about 5 lbs).  A couple of handfuls of oats cook up to feed a family of five.  It is a great deal! 

Needless to say, our family eats a lot hot cereal (oatmeal and Kamut) about five mornings a week and we also use the oatmeal in pancakes. In an effort to decrease our sugar consumption, our family uses small amounts of maple sugar as a sweetener as well as dried fruit and nuts for variety.  Use your imagination to add whatever you like.

 If you're too busy to cook a hot cereal for breakfast, try making oatmeal in the Crockpot (recipe at the end of this article). By using the Crockpot, everyone can have a hot breakfast even if you don't eat breakfast together. You can also prepare oatmeal the night before and just quickly heat in the morning. Baked oatmeal is another option.).

Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothies are a great way to get a head start on your fruit and yogurt.  We also add whey powder and soy lecithin for extra nutrition.

Muffins

Bake muffins on the weekend and enjoy the leftovers for healthy grab-and-go weekday breakfasts. Wrap leftover muffins individually in plastic wrap, place in a plastic storage container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, remove plastic wrap, wrap in a paper towel and microwave on Defrost for about 2 minutes.

Omelet

Our secret to making a perfect omelet each time is to use the broiler.   I was forever burning the bottom of the omelet waiting for the top to cook.  Now I let the broiler do the trick.  Immediately before serving put the omelet under the broiler.  Keep an eye on it, you are just trying to cook any “wet egg” on the top and melt cheese. 

Need some new filling ideas for your omelet? How about:

• Steamed spinach and tomatoes tossed with extra-virgin olive oil and garlic
• Cooked broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes (reconstituted) and shredded mozzarella
• Mushrooms sautéed with rosemary and thyme
• Sautéed apple slices, minced fresh sage and shredded Gruyère
• Sautéed pear slices, sliced almonds and crumbled Stilton

Powdered Milk

One last tip for saving money at breakfast: use powdered milk either in part or whole to save money. When powdered milk is cold, you hardly notice a difference, especially on cereal or in recipes.   Once we made the shift to 2% or non-fat, powdered was easy to integrate.  If you think your family will be skeptical about drinking powdered milk, mix it with regular milk. I've served powdered milk with cereal to extended family, and when asked about it later, they never noticed the difference.

Even if your family doesn't want to drink powdered milk, keep some on hand for using in recipes. An added benefit to using powdered milk is convenience. I don't have to run to the store each week for fresh milk since I buy powdered milk in large quantities and make as needed.

Stove Top Oatmeal

In a saucepan mix:

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 2 cups water
• apple pieces (optional)
• raisins, nuts or wheat germ (optional)

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer/low and cover for 20 minutes. Serves 4

Crockpot Oatmeal

• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 T. butter, melted
• 1/4 t. salt
• 1/2 t. cinnamon
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup finely chopped apple
• ½ cup raisins and/or dates
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
  

Put ingredients inside the crockpot and mix well. Cover and turn on low heat. Cook overnight or 8-9 hours. Stir before serving. Serves 4

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer/low and cover for 20 minutes. Serves 4