Breakfast restocks basics
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I’m always after my kids to eat breakfast, but they’re usually on the run in the morning. What are they missing if they skip it?
Dothan, Ala.
After its overnight fast, your body needs to restock its supply of glucose — the basic sugar that feeds your brain and muscles. For your kids, a good breakfast gets them ready for the day at school. A study of Minnesota school kids discovered that when children were served breakfast, test scores improved, they were less likely to miss or be late for school, and discipline problems decreased. Studies also have shown that breakfast eaters have better concentration and problem-solving ability.
So what makes a good breakfast, especially for kids on the run? A blend of protein, carbohydrates and fat not only will restore the supplies their bodies used up overnight, but also help them feel “full” the longest.
Here are some quick and easy ideas to get your kids’ school day off to a nutritious start:
—Simply cereal. Make dry cereal and milk more fun with fresh berries or sliced bananas. Wake up instant or quick-cooking hot cereal with grated cheese, chopped apples, peaches or bananas, dried cranberries, raisins, apricots or dates and a sprinkle of spice — cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or cloves.
—Toaster food. Toast a waffle and top it with yogurt and sliced bananas. Spread a toasted bagel with peanut butter and jelly or cottage cheese and sliced peaches.
—”Planned overs.” There’s no rule against eating “planned overs” from the night before — a slice of cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, a chicken sandwich. Pair them with fresh fruit, citrus or vegetable juice and milk and the kids are good to go.
—Wrap ‘n’ run. Fold a tortilla around bacon and eggs. Or spread one with peanut butter and jelly. For a variation, spread the tortilla with peanut butter and wrap around a banana.
Chocolate Waffles with Caramel-Banana Topping
Creamy topping (below)
1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick? mix
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs
Make Creamy Caramel-Banana Topping; keep warm. Heat waffle iron; grease if necessary.
Stir remaining ingredients until blended. Pour batter for waffle onto center of hot waffle iron. Repeat with remaining batter.
Bake about 5 minutes or until steaming stops. Carefully remove waffle. Serve with topping.
Creamy Caramel-Banana Topping
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup whipping (heavy) cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 medium bananas, sliced
Mix all ingredients except bananas in 1-quart saucepan.
Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Gently stir in bananas until well coated.
For an extra-special treat, drizzle with chocolate topping and sprinkle with toffee chips.
Want more ideas? www.BettyCrocker.com
Questions? 1-888-ASK BETTY