Back-to-School Breakfast

 

It’s September! Across the Lehigh Valley, the young ones are returning to school. Newspapers are running ads for school supplies. Crossing guards stand at busy intersections and schools of yellow buses follow the roads. The changing weather tickles memories of long ago. Remember the smells in those first few weeks of school? Waxed hallways, chalk boards, books, fresh cleaned classrooms, and new boxes of Crayola Crayons.

I’m sure you also recall hearing about the importance of breakfast in a child’s life. The Pennsylvania Department of Education cites studies that show there is “a direct correlation between breakfast…and academic performance.” Breakfast, they say, “improves school attendance, students’ attention spans, and performance of tasks.”

So why aren’t we paying more attention? How often do kids, or even us adults, dash out the door with little more than a gulp of orange juice, or a slice of dry toast to sustain until lunch?

Sure, time is short in the morning. Rising, washing up, getting dressed, gathering lunches, books, homework, gym bags and band instruments. Who has time for breakfast?

But maybe it is something we should make time for. Think about the importance of nutrition, and of spending a few precious moments with your loved ones before your family parts for the day.

Here’s a list of quick breakfast foods that take only minutes to make and eat.

• Wheat toast spread with peanut butter and topped with sliced bananas
• Breakfast casserole – make ahead and refrigerate
• Sesame bagels with cream cheese
• English muffin pizzas sprinkled with cheese & popped into the toaster oven
• Breakfast taco – tortilla shell, scrambled eggs, ham, and cheese
• Blend a smoothie with orange juice, vanilla yogurt, and your favorite fruits
• Granola cereal mixed with yogurt
• Breakfast sandwich – scrambled eggs with ham or sausage on a biscuit
• Breakfast muffins – make ahead and freeze
• Oatmeal topped with nuts and cinnamon or brown sugar

 

 

Plan your meal the night before. Set your alarm for 10 minutes earlier. Then sit down at the breakfast table with your kids and/or your spouse. Before you leave, be sure to give each other a goodbye hug. What a great way to start the day!

What is your favorite quick breakfast? Click on Comments at the top of this article and share!

Sara