Most of us are looking for a quick and easy way to start the day. Let’s face it if the morning starts off bad, the rest of the day goes with it. Breakfast can be one of those moments where you can save a little bit of time and money. Cereal coupons are not always easy to find or always a good buy. Most of the time cereal is packed full of sugar and carbohydrates and not the most nutritious way to send the kids off to school. They will be on a sugar high and it will be difficult for them to focus during the morning. They will be hyper at first and then hit that crash after about an hour or more.
How can you reduce your morning stress, save money,
and provide good nutritious food for your kids in the morning?
One thing you can do is prepare a nutritious breakfast for the kids ahead of time. On the weekend try cooking a double batch of what you are eating on the weekends. Then you can take the leftovers and have those during the week. This provides the kids with options for breakfast.
Instead of making one pound of breakfast sausage, make two. One for eating on the weekend and put the leftovers in a container to heat up during the week. If you like bacon, make the entire package of bacon. Drain and let cool, then freeze it. Take it out as needed and pop it into the microwave for 30-60 seconds. This is also great for instant bacon bits. Bacon freezes great and comes out crispy in the microwave. This will save time and provide a great protein for the morning.
There aren’t many people I know who like dirty dishes or like to cook a big breakfast on school mornings. A quick idea for making scrambled eggs is to spray a coffee cup with cooking spray. Then crack the egg and scramble it up in the cup and cook for 1 minute in the microwave. As soon as you get it out. Cut it up some more. This is quick and easy. You could also mix it with some of the sausage, a little cheese, put it in a tortilla and have a quick breakfast taco.
Make a double batch of muffins on the weekends and place the leftovers in the freezer. As soon as they come out of the oven put them on a cooling rack. Once they are cooled place them in a freezer bag and then in the freezer. To thaw and eat, take two out and place in the microwave for 1 min. They usually come out perfect. I use whole grain wheat and a fruit to make this a heartier muffin. I normally make them from scratch for pennies a piece.
Pancakes are so easy to freeze and to have ready for the kids on school mornings . To add more protein to your pancakes add a half cup or whole cup Greek yogurt to your batter and decrease your liquid. Another bit of nutrition, add some frozen berries or pureed fruit to the mix. If you do both you are providing a protein and a fruit along with the carbs to make the pancake a complete meal. This will keep your kids full longer and avoid the carb crash later. I also use a multigrain pancake mix. Make a double batch. Once the pancakes are done, place them on a cooling rack to cool. Then place them in the freezer. I find they don’t stick together nearly as much after they are frozen. Then you can pop them in the toaster or microwave to thaw. Instead of syrup to top them off with some powdered sugar. It gives them the sweet taste, but they will not eat as much sugar.
If you start doing these things for your morning routine, you will find that you will not only save time, but you may also find you save money too. I have a pantry full of cereal that has not been eaten in while. The kids love the muffins and pancakes and little do they know it is good for them too! Do you any great time saving tips for the morning?
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Rachel says
Great tip to use a coffee cup and microwave an egg — never thought of that!! This week I'm trying to get in the habit of making smoothies — can I make a big batch and freeze it for later?
Heather McMullin says
I would love for you to add this recipe to my Famous Linkz Party!! I have one every Wednesday.
Hugs,
Heather
http://www.made-famous-by.com
Amy @ Pounds4Pennies says
I have not made the large batch of smoothies, just because I think I would have a nice piece of great flavored ice in the freezer. You would need to find some way to thaw it, and I haven't figured that out yet. Let me know if you do.
tr says
Amy, thanks for stopping by my blog. I really enjoyed your post on pioneer women. I have often wondered how they did it all. I am trying to train myself to become more self-sufficient like they were and less dependent on going to a store for every little thing. I am learning to make more simple things by scratch which is a HUGE money saver as well. My children love instant oatmeal and I found a super easy recipe to make it from scratch. They absolutely love it and it is a mere fraction of the cost and so much healthier for them. It's great!
Again, love your blog!
Jonna
http://simplicity-tr.blogspot.com/
The Southern Product Queen says
I need to know this recipe for sure, and it looks so yummy too! I'm having a linky party as well, and would love for you to join it! Here is the link http://www.thesouthernproductqueen.com/one-stop-s… Thanks for sharing!
Rose says
These are really good ideas. 🙂
Anne @ Domesblissity says
This is great advice Amy. I'm all for using the freezer as much as I can to make this easier down the track. Thanks for popping by. I'm your newest follower.
Anne @ Domesblissity
momto8 says
I love your tips!! I have by necessity incorporated most of them into our routine..but never even considered yogurt in pancakes!! another great idea..thanks!
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
Tara says
You have such a great blog! I'm now following from Welcome Wednesday. Feel free to follow back at http://www.dandygiveaway.com 🙂
mglawler says
Great tips. Thanks for stopping by http://kidsaregrown.blogspot.com/