Ham, Tomato, Sourdough Strata

Summer vacation is over, and it is time to start on hearty breakfasts again.  Here is a very quick one to throw together in the evening, then bake while you shower in the morning.

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Nutty Granola

Make this in the evening or on the weekend. Takes 10 minutes or less to stir this together, then an hour to bake.  It is well worth the effort, and makes a LOT of granola.  Very tasty.  I think I will go snack on some now.

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Margaret's Almond Cherry Biscotti

These are not the really hard biscotti that cut your mouth, but with the addition of eggs, are firm, but easily eaten.  It makes enough for several meals, and freezes well.  This is my first attempt at biscotti, and my tasters say they are GREAT.  They need to be made the night before - will take over an hour to complete, but will feed you well for a week.

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Blueberry Bread Pudding

Prepare the night before, pop in the oven in the morning, and enjoy the luscious flavors and textures piping hot from the oven.

                          

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Libby's Pumpkin Pie

Dreams of more Thanksgiving dinner.  So, pie for breakfast?  Think of it this way - eggs, milk and vegetables..  What's not to like?  And easy - it was my son's favorite thing to make when he was 8 years old.   I have always used the recipe on the Libby's pumpkin can, and my family likes it best.   I like to make it at night, refrigerate overnight, then serve cold, or warmed in the oven for 15 minutes.

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Easy Peach Cobbler

Ah, the peaches are wonderful this time of year, and this is a great use for them.  Great for dessert as well.  I make it the night before, and serve at room temperature the next morning.  

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Gougeres (cheese puffs)

Do not be afraid.  These are actually very easy to make,  and spectacular to serve.  You can easily  freeze them on a tray before baking, then store in a plastic bag in the freezer.  Then you have 50 puffs to make for breakfast (eggs, milk, flour, cheese - how good can you get?) or can pull out for unexpected guests for an hors d'oeuvre.  

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Sara's Cinnamon Nut Scones

These lovely scones  were brought to an after-hike food fest by Sara.  They were a big hit!  Scones made with egg are more cake-like than the crumbly texture of those made without.  This is a fine example of a cake-textured scone.

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Easy Banana Nut Muffin Tops

If you like to eat the tops off muffins, this is for you.  No special pan needed, and can be used with almost any muffin recipe.  Kids love them – feels like eating cookies for breakfast, but with much more nutrition.

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Pineapple Nut Coffee Cake

Quick cooking, tasty and reminiscent of  Hawaii.  Good fiber, fruit, nuts.  Great any time of the year.

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Amaretto Peach French Toast

My favorite cook book these days is “Perfect Party Foods,” by Diane Phillips, the Diva of Do-Ahead. (Find Diane online at http://www.dianephillips.com/ for more recipes)   It was nominated for the James Beard Award a couple of years ago – it’s that good.  Don’t be put off by the long ingredient list – it is really simple.  I have modified a bit from the original.  This recipe is ALWAYS a hit with brunch guests, and so easy it is almost unethical to accept accolades for being a good cook.   And a great everyday breakfast as well.

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Crustless Miniature Quiche Lorraine

I love the cook book “Perfect Party Foods,” by Diane Phillips, the Diva of Do-Ahead. (Find Diane online at http://www.dianephillips.com/ for more recipes)   It focuses on things one can prepare before the guests arrive, or before your family arrives at the table for breakfast.  It was nominated for the James Beard Award a couple of years ago – it’s that good.  These miniature quiches can be refrigerated as a batter, or cooked in advance and reheated, or frozen and reheated whenever you want them.  Perfect – make one batch and use for multiple breakfasts.

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Pineapple Coconut Macadamia Nut Energy Bars

A taste of the islands!  These are very good for you, incredibly tasty, and a great snack to grab on the go (although we ARE trying to have breakfast with the family).   They have fruit, fiber and protein, although not particularly low calorie.  AND they are easy to make the night before. 

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Cherry Almond Bread

Make this scrumptious bread the night before, and enjoy it in the morning.

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Title Tropical Cereal Bars

These are very good for you, incredibly tasty, and a great snack to grab on the go (although we ARE trying to have breakfast with the family).   They have fruit, fiber and protein.  AND they are easy to make the night before.  I recently took these with me on a trip to India, and ate them when I felt like a taste from home.   

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Raspberry Almond Muesli

Muesli is a dish found on European breakfast buffets, particularly in Austria, Germany and the Scandinavian countries.  It is typically served at room temperature.  When made with cream, it is luscious, but insanely high fat and calories.  This version is equally delicious, but very, very good for you as well.  It will stick with you all morning.

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