Fuel for the morning
by Sam Vangsness
Mornings are inevitably a time of rush for all of us. During that rush, some people forget breakfast altogether, sending themselves off with a cup of coffee and an empty stomach. They don’t say breakfast is the most important meal of the day for nothing. Starting your day with a nourishing meal can be a positive building block.
Breakfast was always a big deal in my house growing up. My dad always had something ready for us before we hopped on the bus or headed off to school. Sometimes it was cereal, a smoothie, or eggs and toast, but it always quenched that morning hunger and set us up for the day.
I still think breakfast is important to this day. I have always been someone who makes and eats breakfast, which isn’t the case for everyone. I totally get it, mornings are busy and everyone — including me — is trying to get out the door. But I’ve found taking 20-30 minutes on Sunday or Monday evening to make a few options for the week is a real time saver and ensures my first meal of the day is a nourishing one.
Some of the go-tos in our house are breakfast sandwiches, egg biscuits, and yogurt bowls. These are simple to prepare and can be customized to your home's taste. I’ll share a few of my recent go-to recipes at the end for some inspiration.
No matter what your morning looks like, having breakfast ready to warm up or throw in your lunch pail will help you have a more productive day, and I bet you'll be less likely to stop at the corner store.
Egg biscuit and maple breakfast ball with fruit.
Egg biscuits
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen diced sweet potatoes
1/2 cup onion
2 cups kale
3/4 cup cottage cheese
6 eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 cup shredded cheese (pepper jack is delish)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
Pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté onion, kale, and sweet potato until tender. Set to the side to cool.
Mix cheese, cottage cheese, eggs and flour together. Add in baking powder and salt. Set aside to rest for 10-15 min.
Add in sautéed vegetables and mix together.
Use a 1/3 cup to place onto a lined cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
Note: 2 cups of breakfast meat like bacon or diced ham could be added as well. Sautée the meat with the veggies.
Maple breakfast balls
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 pound of pork sausage (I used our venison/pork mixed sausage or 1/2 lb beef & 1/2 lb pork works too!)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients into a large bowl. Add sausage, cheese, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup into a large bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix together well. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 365 degrees for 15 minutes.