Hot Breakfast Starts Day Well

Many aren't aware that February is national hot breakfast month but most people have long heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It makes sense to eat so that energy is available for the day ahead.

After all, it makes sense to fuel the body before activity. In this way the body uses the starches and sugars to burn with daily activity. When we skip breakfast it 'starves' the body. Then we eat a big supper in the evening it stores the nutrients instead of burning them, increasing weight gain.

A hot breakfast is especially valued in the winter when colder weather sets in. There are ways to get a hot breakfast quickly besides stopping at the fast food drive through. Many people take up to a half hour getting ready for work and school. Having a breakfast casserole ready to pop in the oven warms the kitchen and provides breakfast when you're done getting ready which leaves a hot serving ready to eat.

There are also breakfasts that can be made quickly and easily. Many of these can be prepared in not much more time than "heat and serve".

For example, the night before make up pancake batter or mix together a couple eggs and a little milk. Cover and put in the refrigerator. In the morning pour batter for pancakes hot off the stove. Alternately dip bread into the egg mixture, turn over and dip the other side and put into a hot greased pan. You can even dust cinnamon over it as it cooks for a healthy boost. This provides pancakes or French toast in just minutes in the morning. Add a couple sausage links and scramble the egg mixture from the French toast and it's sausage, eggs and French toast hot breakfast hot and ready in minutes.

Quick cooked oatmeal is another hot meal. Sprinkle with sugar cinnamon, add a little syrup or even chopped fruit or nuts.

Toast is another quick and highly versatile breakfast. A toasted bagel or English muffin is another option. This offers five easy, quick and versatile breakfasts.

Other options include making up casseroles the night before to pop in the oven. Shred hash browns and top with eggs and browned sausage and cheese. Love corn bread? Top with sausage links and serve with warmed maple syrup.

Mix up breakfast muffin batter. Again - pop in the oven for 10 minutes in the morning. Hot and tasty with a little butter, jam or syrup.

Don't overlook your Crockpot. Put it on the night before and wake to a hot breakfast. With the Crockpot and casseroles there are hundreds of ideas for breakfast that take little time.

A hot nutritious breakfast provides 'fuel' for the body. It's a tasty way to start the day.