by Athirah Sofea

 

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. While some research suggests that skipping breakfast is not harmful, other research suggests otherwise. Having breakfast serves as an opportunity to give the body the energy to power through the day and nutrients it needs to perform at its best. Not just that, breakfast can help us be more alert, focused and make us happy. 

Some of us might find it hard to fit the meal into our busy morning schedule. And if your mornings are hectic, plan ahead as a little planning goes a long way to get you out the door on time. To ease the planning process, we have prepared some easy-to-follow breakfast ideas below. 

 

Overnight Oats 

Base 

• ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats 
• ½ cup milk of choice 
• ¼ cup non-fat Greek yogurt 
• 1 tbsp chia seeds 
• 1 tbsp sweetener honey or maple syrup 
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract 

You can have it plain with just the base recipe above or spice it up with some fun flavour options below: 

Peanut Butter & Jelly 

• 1 tbsp strawberry jam 
• 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter 
• ¼ cup diced strawberries
• 2 tbsp peanuts crushed 

Apple Pie 

• ¼ cup diced apples 
• 1 tbsp pecans chopped 
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• ¼ tsp cinnamon 

Banana Nutella 

• ½ banana sliced 
• 1 tbsp Nutella 
• 1 tbsp hazelnuts crushed 
• 1 tbsp chocolate chips 

Almond Joy 

• ¼ cup shredded coconut 
• 1 tbsp almonds chopped 
• 1 tbsp chocolate chips
• 2 tsp maple syrup 

Directions 

1. Place all ingredients into a large glass container and mix until combined.
2. Cover the glass container with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Toppings can be added the night before or immediately before serving.
3. Uncover and enjoy from the glass container the next day. Thin with a little more milk or water, if desired. 

 

Chia Pudding  

Ingredients 

• 2 tbsp chia seeds 
• 1/2 cup almond milk or milk of choice 
• 1 tsp honey or another sweetener, optional
• Strawberries or other fruits for topping 

Directions 

1. Pour ingredients into a jar and mix well. Let settle for 2-3 minutes then mix again until you see no clumps.
2. Cover the jar and store in refrigerator overnight or for at least 2 hours.
3. When you’re ready to eat it, top with your favourite fruit and enjoy cold! 

 

Shakshuka 

Ingredients 

• 2 tbsp olive oil 
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 450g tomatoes, halved if large
• 8 large eggs
• 1/4 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
• Toasted baguette, for serving 

Directions 

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Heat oil in large oven-safe skillet on medium. Add onion and sauté until golden brown and tender, 8 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, transfer to oven and roast 10 minutes.
3. Remove pan from oven, stir, then make 8 small wells in vegetable mixture and carefully crack 1 egg into each. Bake eggs to desired doneness, 7 to 8 minutes for slightly runny yolks. Sprinkle with spinach and, if desired, serve with toast. 

 

French Toast 

Ingredients 

• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 8 (1-inch-thick) slices challah bread or any bread of choice
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Yogurt, berries and pure maple syrup or honey, for serving 

Directions 

1. In large, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla.
2. Working in batches, place 2 bread slices in egg mixture and let soak 2 minutes. Flip and soak for another minute (both sides of bread should be totally coated in mixture).
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon butter in large non-stick skillet on medium-low. Once melted, add soaked bread and cook until golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes per side; transfer to wire rack. While toast is cooking, soak next slice of bread. 
4. Repeat with remaining butter and bread. Serve topped with yogurt, berries, and syrup or honey if desired. 

 

Have fun trying out these recipes and hopefully you will enjoy making them!