Peanut Butter and Banana Pancakes

Ahhh…. it’s good to be back in Memphis! Spring Break was a blast but there’s nothing like coming home again. As a tribute to my homecoming I decided to make something fit for a king… Elvis, that is!

Elvis LOVED fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches so why not turn his obsession into a quick and easy breakfast?! I hope you enjoy.

Peanut Butter and Banana Pancakes

Servings: 4
Level: Easy
Time: 20 minutes

1 c. white flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. peanut butter
1 c. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 small banana, chopped into small pieces

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and peanut butter in a large bowl. Add milk and vanilla. Stir until  blended.

Over medium heat, grease a pan or griddle. Spoon 2 tbsp. of batter onto pan.  Sprinkle  with banana pieces. Repeat with additional batter.

Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with butter and syrup.

Tips
-Instead of syrup, try spreading each pancake with your favorite jelly or jam. Instant PBB and Js for breakfast!

Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce… A Simple Version of Shakshuka

Shakshukra is an Israeli dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce. It is seasoned with garlic, paprika, and cumin and is topped with a creamy feta crumble. It can be served for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? Well, this morning, I was in the mood for shakshukra but didn’t really have the time to put it all together. I came up with this version to suffice my craving.

I wouldn’t dare compare this version to the amazing traditional version but it will certainly do in a pinch. We ate every last bite and wiped our bowls clean with a toasted piece of whole wheat bread. Yum! I will definitely make this again.

As you read the recipe, you’ll notice that I was totally improvising and using up leftovers from the fridge. You can omit the spaghetti sauce and add more tomatoes, of any variety, and spice it up with seasonings if you wanted. This was one of those quick thrown together type dishes that simply turned out perfect. Don’t you love it when that happens?

 

Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce

Servings: 2
Time: 15 minutes
Level: Easy

1/2 can  roasted tomatoes, drained
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 c. spaghetti sauce
crushed red pepper flakes
salt
pepper
Glug of red wine (optional but awesome)
2 large eggs
2 slices toasted bread
Parmesan cheese, grated

In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper. Brown for about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and spaghetti sauce and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Around the 8 or 9 minute mark, add the glug of wine if you choose. Gently crack each egg on top of tomato mixture.

Cover and let cook 5 minutes. Let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve with toast and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Yum!

Bacon and Cheese Frittata

Frittatas are quick and easy and delicious served for breakfast. lunch, and even dinner. By simply adjusting the add-ins, you can create a completely different taste experience that can fit almost any occasion. For this frittata, I used bacon, cheese, bell peppers, and onions, but I could have  just as easily used sausage, spinach, broccoli, or even ham. Just think quiche without a crust. Anything that sounds good in a quiche, would work here as well.

This dish is perfect to make for breakfast when having overnight company. It takes no time to whip up and tastes great even at room temperature!

I served our leftovers as the protein for a torta (See Chicken Torta for the recipe.) I put slices of the frittata on soft baguettes with sour cream, re-fried beans, and salsa. I also added slices of fresh avocado. Yum!

Bacon and Cheese Frittata

Servings: 6
Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy

6 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. bell peppers and onions, frozen and chopped
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, butter, salt, and pepper.

Pour into a greased 11×7 baking dish. Sprinkle with onions, bacon and cheese.

Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Yum!

Tips
– Adjust the add-ins. Add any type of meat, cheese, or veggies for a different twist!

Pancake Trio – Blueberry, Bacon, and Pecan Pancakes

Nothing says breakfast like pancakes. Whenever I go out for breakfast, no matter how hard I try or how many times I read the menu, I must order pancakes. You just can’t beat a pillowy pile of steaming hot cakes with syrup dripping down the sides. YUM!

My favorite type of pancakes are just the plain ole’ standards but every once in a while, I like to mix it up. Since my husband isn’t the biggest fan, I came up with this pancake trio dish to appease him.

He likes pancakes. But he says that after about 4-5 bites, he gets bored with them. Blasphemy, I say, but whatever… to each their own. You can add just about anything to this batter so play around and find your favorite!

Pancakes

Servings: 6 pancakes
Time: 15 minutes
Level: Easy

1 c. baking mix (I use Heart Smart Bisquick)
2/3 c. skim milk
2 tbsp. egg substitute or egg whites
1 tbsp. orange juice
Various add-ins (I used blueberries, turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled), and crushed pecans)

Mix all ingredients, except add-ins, together in a medium sized bowl. Greased a non-stick skillet or griddle with butter. Over medium heat, pour 1/3 cup fulls of batter onto skillet or griddle.

Top each pancake with various add-ins. Flip pancakes once little bubbles appear around the edges. Remove from heat once cooked throughout. Top with warmed syrup and serve. Yum!

Tips
– I like to serve three different types of pancakes on one plate. The variety is delish!
– Banana slices, chocolate chips, strawberries, and small cubes of ham or turkey are also great choices for add-ins.

Banana Oatmeal Granola Bar Bite Cookies… Butterless, Flourless, Eggless, and No Added Sugar. So What’s In There?

These granola bar bites have ever so eloquently been dubbed “old people cookies” because of their ingredients. But take them seriously because they are VERY yummy! I like to make these little bites to eat for breakfast, as a post work out snack, or as a mid-day pick-me-up. They pack well and can be made into various shapes such as round cookies, square cookies, or bars.

They are super healthy and kids LOVE them. You won’t believe these vegan goodies are made without butter, flour, eggs, or added sugar! The bananas and dried fruit add lots of texture and sweetness so enjoy!

Banana Oatmeal Granola Bar Bite Cookies

Serving: 24 cookies
Time: 35 minutes
Level: Easy (super kid friendly, so let them help!)

3 ripe bananas (wait until they are nice and spotty. They are sweeter that way.)
2 c. oats (you can use whole wheat, steel cut, quick cooking, or most any other type of oats)
1/2 – 1 c. dried fruit, chopped (I used prunes but apricots and cranberries work well, too)
1/3 c. coconut oil (you can use vegetable oil)
1/2 c. nuts, chopped (optional)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla

In a medium bowl, mash bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°. Let mixture sit on the counter for 15 minutes.

On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, drop mixture by spoonfuls. With your hands, shape cookies into desired shape and press down until flattened to desired thickness. (Cookies will come out of the oven in the exact same shape they went in…) Bake for 20 minutes. Yum!

Tips
– Don’t forget to use parchment paper. The bananas and dried fruit will leave a sticky residue on your baking sheet if you don’t!

10 Healthy Back to School Quick Breakfast Ideas

Parents and teachers of school-aged children know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. HOWEVER, the time between the buzzing alarm clock and the honking school bus goes by at the speed of light! With Science Fair Projects, tests, trying on 10 outfits, and the inevitable bad hair days and fake belly aches, breakfast is the last thing you’re worried about in the morning. As long as you can shove something down the throats of your little ones and grab a granola bar for yourself on the way out the door, your good, right? Unfortunately, you’re not good. Not all breakfasts are created equal. You need a balance of good, healthy carbs with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains.

Evidence suggests after fasting all night, a developing body (and brain) needs a fresh supply of glucose — or blood sugar. That’s the brain’s basic fuel. (And on a side note… since we’re talking about the brain: The brain does it’s “memorizing” at night. In order to truly memorize something, you need a good night’s sleep after learning. So don’t cram for a test in the a.m. or pull an all-nighter!)

Terrill Bravender, professor of pediatrics at Duke University, told Allison Aubrey, an NPR reporter, in a 2006 interview,  “Without glucose, our brain simply doesn’t operate as well. People have difficulty understanding new information, [they have a] problem with visual and spatial understanding, and they don’t remember things as well.”

Ok, ok… I will now step off my soap box. But seriously, as a teacher, I beg of you…

Here are some great breakfast ideas. Hopefully you can take one or two and incorporate them into your morning routine.

1. Breakfast Sandwich – Whole wheat toast, eggs, maybe a slice of ham… yum!

2. Fruit Smoothie – Delish with a slice of whole wheat toast and a schmear of peanut butter.

3. Oatmeal – Plain quick oats are my fav. They are cooked in 1 minute and you can add your choice of toppings. Try any of these or even a combo of a few: honey, sliced fruit, chopped dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, or prunes, a little brown sugar, a small spoonful of jam.

4. Plain Yogurt with Fresh Fruit and Honey – This is my new obsession. Top a bowl of tangy and tart non-fat plain yogurt (you could even try Greek) with fresh fruit slices, like blueberries and strawberries, with a drizzle of sweet honey. Served with a slice of whole wheat toast or 1/2 of a whole wheat English muffin and you’re in business!

5. Quinoa Pancakes – These can be made ahead of time and served 1000 different ways. I like to use the pancakes as I would bread and make either a breakfast sandwich out of them or spread them with peanut butter and top with banana slices. (Wouldn’t Elvis love that?)

6. Whole Wheat (and super easy) French Toast – Use sugar free syrup or none at all. You can top this with slices strawberries for added sweetness if you wanted to go sans syrup.

7. Whole Wheat Waffles as a base for just about anything – Toast up a whole wheat waffle and top it with whatever your heart desires: peanut or almond butter, scrambles eggs and tomato slices, a sunny side up egg with a slice of low fat cheese, etc.

8. Cottage or Ricotta Cheese Breakfast Burritos – Grab a whole wheat tortilla and fill it up with low fat cottage or ricotta cheese, a little bit of jam, fruit slices, and maybe a few chopped nuts. Think breakfast version of my Berry Turkey Wrap.

9. Breakfast Trail Mix – This is the ultimate “eat in the car” breakfast recipe. In a bowl, mix together basically whatever you have on hand! I like to use: unsalted peanuts, unsalted almonds, raisins, dried apple or apricot slices, bran cereal flakes, and whole grain oats cereal.

10. Made Your Way Omelets – Eggs are great for you in the morning! Served with a glass of milk, and you’re good to go! Omelets can be made with 1000 different ingredients (especially leftover ingredients from dinner the night before) so get creative. A few of my favorites: low fat cheese, bell peppers and onions, spinach and tomatoes, leftover stir fry veggies, leftover sliced turkey.

I hope you enjoy! If you have a breakfast idea, please leave it in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

For more information on what Bravender has to say about the importance of breakfast, see NPR.

What the French, Toast?

Breakfast is the BEST! You’ve always heard that you should start your day off right… but honestly, who has the time? Grabbing a bowl of cereal or snagging a granola bar out of the pantry on our way out the door probably happens way too often around here.

But after a WONDERFUL trip to see Alissa, my best friend, well, make that almost sister… in case you didn’t know, I now have an easy and super quick recipe for breakfast that will definitely be making a frequent appearance in my kitchen.

This French toast recipe takes about 5 minutes, at the most, to prepare and it bakes in the oven for 15 minutes. That is just enough time to go back, get dressed, and put on make-up. Can’t argue with that!

I’m not quite sure if the measurements are exactly like Alissa’s amazing recipe but the outcome was very similar. Yum!

Alissa’s Fabulous French Toast

Servings: 2
Time: 20 minutes
Level: Easy

1 egg
2 egg whites
2 tbsp. milk
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla
4 slices whole wheat bread

Preheat oven to 350°. In a shallow dish, whisk egg, egg whites, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla together. Dip bread in egg mixture until soaked.

Place bread on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes, turning once.

Serve with butter and warmed syrup. Yum!

Tips
– You can use all egg whites to make it healthier.
– Try sugar free syrup or even flavored syrup for a twist!
– Top with toasted pecans for a nutty addition.
– Sprinkle more cinnamon on top of the bread before you bake it if you loooove cinnamon like I do!

Grilled Turkey and Cheese on Cinnamon Raisin Bread

I’ll be the first to admit it… this doesn’t sound good. But please don’t let that keep you from trying this sandwich. It is SOOOO yummy! Trust me on this one.

The sweet bread and tangy mustard works so well with nice thick slices of ooey gooey provolone cheese. Just thinking about this sweet and savory combo is making me hungry again. What’s with me this week and sweet and savory dishes?

This sandwich is great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Yum!

Grilled Turkey and Cheese on Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Servings: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Level: Easy

2 slices cinnamon raisin bread
1/2 tbsp. spicy brown mustard
3-4 slices deli turkey (mesquite or peppered turkey also works)
1-2 slices provolone cheese
butter

Spread one slice of bread with mustard. Top with turkey, provolone, and second slice of bread. Butter the outsides of the bread and grill, over medium heat, until golden brown. Yum!

Leftover Pre-baked Crescent Rolls? Make Dessert!

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I had two triangles left over after making Peppered Gravy Pot Pie so I decided to make dessert. Why not? And what a treat! I NEVER make dessert. These would also be yummy for breakfast.

Cinnamon Pecan Crescents

Servings: 2 (But you could use the whole tube of crescents)
Time: 10 minutes
Level: Easy

Crescent Roll triangles
Cream Cheese
Cinnamon and Sugar (I always keep a small container of these two mixed together)
Pecans, chopped

Lay the crescent rolls out flat. On the wide end, spread cream cheese and top with cinnamon and sugar and a few pecans. Roll triangles up like regular crescent rolls.

Bake at 375° for 8 minutes. Yum!

The BEST Breakfast Pizza You’ll Ever Eat (And You Don’t Have To Eat It For Breakfast!)

Upon the  suggestion by a fellow foodie and friend, we recently went to brunch at Hi-Tone in Memphis. Hi-Tone is not a typical place you would ever think of going to brunch. When you walk in, you get the instant vibe that the night before (well, probably even that very morning) the stage was rocking and the dance floor was packed with young hipsters having a great night.

How do you know they had a great night? Well they are still there, sipping on mimosas and bloody mary’s, and eating the most delicious brunch I’ve had in a while.

I can’t attest to anything else (besides the bloody mary’s…yum!) on the menu at Hi-Tone, but the breakfast pizza is legit. So legit, that I decided to try to recreate it at home. The result? Straight up awesomeness.

We ate this pizza for dinner and then ate the leftovers the next day for breakfast. I wish we still had some…

Breakfast Pizza

Servings: 4-6
Time: 30 minutes
Level: Medium

1 box pizza dough mix, made according to package directions (I used Jiffy)
1 package of peppered gravy, made according to package directions (you won’t use all of the gravy)
1/2 c. sharp cheddar, shredded
5-6 slices of bacon, crumbled (I used turkey bacon)
1/3 c. peppers and onions, frozen
5 eggs
1 tbsp. milk
salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 425°. Roll out dough as thinly as possible. Bake for 3-4 minutes. Remove pizza dough from oven and top with prepared gravy, enough to cover like regular pizza sauce would.

Top with 1/2 of the shredded cheese and all of the bacon.

Bake pizza for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on the edges and cooked in the center. Meanwhile, whisk eggs, milk, and salt and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté peppers and onions until thawed. Add whisked eggs and scramble. When pizza is done, top with scrambled eggs and then with remaining cheese. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, until cheese melts. Yum!

Tips
– Try using sausage or ham instead of bacon.
– The peppered gravy package can be found on the same isle and section as taco seasoning packets, chili starters, and pesto/other pasta sauce starter packets.
– You WILL have left over gravy… stay tuned to see what I made with mine!
– Use egg whites to make it healthier.
– Make it vegetarian by leaving off the meat or adding Morning Star sausage.