Breakfast Beyond Cereal

For our family, cereal is a real luxury. It's expensive, and with a family our size, we go through four to five boxes and a gallon of milk per meal! *ouch* As a result, we rarely buy or serve it at our house. (Though I do appreciate having it when we need something quick!)

I had to sit down and go through some cook books and magazines, and then I also asked other moms what they do for breakfast. I thought I'd share some of the ideas I found-- beyond muffins, pancakes, and waffles-- here! :-)

Breakfast Pizzas (Picture Above)

• Whole grain English muffins
• Cream cheese (plain or flavored)
• Fruits in season
• Chopped nuts (optional)
  
• Jam or preserves (optional)

Toast the muffins. Spread cream cheese on each muffin. Thinly slice the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Top each muffin with fruit and nuts, if desired.


Bacon and Cheese Egg Bake

2 Tbl. butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1/3 cup milk or cream
12 large eggs, beaten
1/4 pound shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices crumbled cooked bacon (or diced ham slices)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and heat skillet on medium heat. Melt butter in hot skillet and sautee' onions until clear. Combine remaining ingredients, add onions and mix well. Pour into a greased 9X13 inch casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes. (Sprinkle more cheese to melt on top after baking, if desired.)

Sausage Baked Egg Casserole

1 pound ground pork sausage
1 small finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
12 large eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1 1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook sausage, onion, and garlic powder in a large skillet over medium heat until the sausage browns. Drain well.

In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, mustard and salt for one minute. Stir in cheese and sausage. Pour into an ungreased 9X13 pan and bake, uncovered in oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. (Can be refrigerated overnight; just add 10 minutes to the baking time.)