Simple Breakfast Ideas

Pancakes, waffles or French Toast are simple to fix, and serve. Even if the kids make the pre-made varieties they can be spruced up with these toppings:

Flavored Syrup: Start with 2 c of syrup and the grated rind of half an orange and 1/3 c orange juice; or 1/3 c orange juice and 1 t ground ginger. You can also add 2 T lemon juice and the grated rind of half a lemon.

Fruit Sauce: Place 2 T of water in a small pan. Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to the pan. Cook, partially covered, until the juice is released. Add a little sugar and lemon juice to taste. Serve as a topping!

Apple Banana Topping: Slice 1 small apple and 1 banana. Melt 2 T of butter in a skillet. Cook the fruit until it's soft. Serve it over the pancakes or waffles and top with maple syrup or confectioners' sugar if desired.

Very Simple Toppings: Heat any flavor of pie filling in a microwave safe bowl until warm and serve. Sprinkle the pancakes, waffles or French Toast with chopped nuts and berries, then top with syrup.

Pecan Pancakes

1-1/2 c skim milk
2 T butter or margarine, melted
2 t vanilla extract
1 c all-purpose flour
2 T sugar
1 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/8 t ground cinnamon
1 c cooked rice, cooled
1/3 c pecans, chopped
4 egg whites, stiffly beaten
cooking spray
Maple syrup (optional)

Combine milk, margarine, vanilla, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in large bowl; stir until smooth. Stir in rice and pecans. Fold in beaten egg whites. Pour scant 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle that has been coated with cooking spray over medium heat until bubbles form on top and underside is lightly browned. Turn to brown other side. Serve warm with syrup. Makes 6 servings.

Potatoes and Eggs

2 c mashed potatoes
1 egg
1/4 c grated cheese
1/2 t onion powder
4 eggs (additional)
salt and pepper to taste
fresh chives

Blend mashed potatoes, egg, cheese, and onion juice Shape into 4 balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each ball; break an egg into each potato "nest". Season with salt and pepper. Bake 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until eggs are firm. Serves 4. Before serving sprinkle with fresh chives.