How to Make Classic Foods More Fun: Breakfast

Some classic breakfast choices include toast, pancakes, waffles, french toast, potatoes, and eggs, but how can you mix up the flavors for a bit more fun in the morning?

Of course you can butter your toast and throw on a smear of jelly, but why not try it out with some fresh fruit and a little protein - think a layer of peanut butter with some banana or apple slices on top. Allergic to peanut butter, but still want to enjoy some fresh fruit and a bit of protein in the morning? How about you mix some fresh berries into a cup of yogurt and top it off with some granola, for a bit of crunch. You can also mix in some fresh berries into a hot bowl of oatmeal or your favorite cold cereal. Feel free to toss in a handful of nuts, too.

Pancakes or waffles are also delicious topped or stuffed with fruit. Blueberries are a common treat, why not add in some brown sugar and walnuts to make it even more savory! Nuts and berries definitely compliment each other in this dish! Ice cream is another sweet topping for a dessert like breakfast, but if you're not in the mood for something chilly in the morning, why not forgo the ice cream and just drizzle the sundae toppings on your pancakes or waffles - try out some hot fudge or strawberry syrup, or go all out with the popular CMP (Chocolate, Marshmallow, Peanuts). Another sundae-like idea you can easily do, is throw your favorite dry topping - like sprinkles or a crushed candy bar - into the batter.

Many of these toppings go just as well on french toast. However, when it comes to the simple batter you use for french toast, there are some other possible flavors to explore. You can easily add some cinnamon or ginger for a bit of spice or if you would like an even sweeter treat, try out some orange flavoring. You can also stuff two slices of your french toast with some some cream cheese and fresh fruits for a knife and fork breakfast sandwich.

A breakfast food you may not savor everyday, but is just as easy to whip up as pancakes, is crepes. These can be filled with fresh fruit and some cream cheese or maybe even some peanut butter. You can even fill them with some fluffy eggs, cheese, and vegetables for a savory delight.

Want a stronger wrap for your fillings or just something different to eat on the go? Try out a tortilla with your favorite vegetable combo, a few eggs, and cheese. Mix it up a little more with some salsa and sour cream to turn your wrap into a breakfast burrito.

Potatoes also have many possibilities. Add some onions for a little more flavor, or mix the potatoes in with your omelette while it's still in the frying pan. Always eat your potatoes in slices? Shred them or cube them instead one day! Always stick with regular brown-skinned potatoes? Try out some red-skinned potatoes for some variety. You can also season the potatoes with much more than the table top offering of salt and pepper. Rosemary has a great flavor, for example.

Of course eggs can be prepared all different ways - scrambled, over easy, medium, or hard, poached and the like. Omelets are another common way to enjoy them with endless kinds of mix-ins. Try out some different ones one day or just scramble your eggs with the vegetables or cheese of your choice. Feel free to drizzle your omelette or egg scramble dish with some hot sauce for a spicy kick or some tasty balsamic glaze. Do you usually dip your toast into your eggs? For an interesting change, enjoy those eggs, over easy, on top of pancakes instead. If you don't eat eggs, consider a stir fry of peppers, onions, and whatever other vegetables of your choice along with some seasoned tofu.

The ideas you can come up with are endless. Just look through your pantry and refrigerator and mix up something you think would sound good! Say goodbye to the usual toast and eggs or buttermilk pancakes, and welcome in the new, creative morning chef!