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Kid-Friendly Make-Ahead Breakfasts: Easy Ideas for Busy Mornings

As the school week rolls around, mornings can often turn into a frenzied dash between locating lost shoes and making sure homework is packed. Amidst the chaos, breakfast sometimes takes a back seat, leaving children with a hurried meal or, worse yet, nothing at all. To combat this, make-ahead breakfasts are a godsend, providing nutritious and delicious options that can be prepared in advance. Here, we explore some kid-friendly make-ahead breakfast ideas that will leave your little ones satisfied and ready to learn.

1. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats have gained popularity for good reason. They are incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrients. To make them, simply combine rolled oats with milk or yogurt in a jar, add a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and top with your child’s favourite fruits, nuts, or seeds. Seal the jars and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, your child can grab one on the way out the door, enjoying a healthy breakfast without the fuss.

Basic Recipe:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup milk or dairy alternative
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup chopped fruit (berries, banana, or apple work well)

2. Breakfast Muffins

Morning muffins are a delightful way to pack in a variety of flavours and nutrition. You can whip up a batch of banana muffins, blueberry muffins, or even savoury cheese and spinach muffins. The beauty of these treats is that they can be frozen and popped in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast option on busy mornings.

Banana Muffins Recipe:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Mix the butter with the mashed bananas in a bowl.
3. Stir in the baking powder and baking soda, followed by salt, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
4. Finally, mix in the flour until just combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.

3. Smoothie Packs

Smoothies are fantastic for breakfast and can be made in advance with just a bit of prep. Create "smoothie packs" by portioning out frozen fruits, spinach, and any other ingredients your children enjoy into freezer bags. When morning arrives, simply blend the contents of a pack with milk or juice for a quick, nutritious breakfast.

Suggested Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen berries
• Handful of spinach
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter or yogurt

4. Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are a protein-packed breakfast option that can be customised to suit even the pickiest of eaters. Whisk eggs with milk and pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin along with diced vegetables, cheese, and cooked meats. Bake until set and store in the fridge or freezer for an easy, microwaveable breakfast.

Basic Egg Muffin Recipe:

• 6 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup finely chopped vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, etc.)
• ½ cup grated cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in vegetables and cheese.
4. Pour the mixture into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.

5. Pancake or Waffle Stacks

Who says pancakes and waffles are just for weekends? You can make a big batch of these fluffy delights and freeze them for future breakfasts. Separate the stacks with parchment paper and store in a freezer bag; simply reheat them in a toaster or microwave when needed. Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of syrup for an indulgent yet wholesome start to the day.

Fluffy Pancake Recipe:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Heat a non-stick pan and pour batter to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles form, then flip.

Conclusion

With these make-ahead breakfast ideas, you can take the stress out of hectic school mornings. Preparing simple and nutritious meals not only ensures your children start their day with energy but also saves you precious time during rush hours. So, why not give these recipes a try? Your kids will thank you, and you’ll feel great knowing they’re well-fuelled for their day ahead!

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