Many people are accustomed to eating the same basic things for breakfast throughout the year such as toast, boiled eggs or cereal. However, it’s possible to take advantage of fantastic summer produce to dress breakfast up and add additional nutrition and flavour. Here are a few simple ideas that will turn breakfast from bland and predictable into something special:
Dressed Up Cereal
Whether breakfast means a bowl of cold cereal or hearty hot oatmeal, it’s always better with some fresh fruit. Sliced peaches and strawberries are delicious additions or add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries. Sprinkle with sugar to taste if desired.
Eggs – Gourmet Style
A quick scrambled egg or omelet goes gourmet with the simple addition of summer vegetables and fresh herbs. The possibilities are practically endless, from diced zucchini and fresh basil to tomato and oregano or red peppers with thyme. For an extra flavour boost, add a bit of grated or diced cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, brie or parmesan. For a lighter breakfast, use egg whites in place of whole eggs.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Toast an English muffin, a couple of pieces of bread or a bagel and let the creativity begin! Some filling suggestions include: a poached or fried egg with sliced tomato and fresh arugula, a Western sandwich (made with diced onions, ham and green peppers), a classic BLT, tomato and avocado, cucumber and tomato, scrambled egg with grilled peppers or smoked salmon with cream cheese, herbs and cucumber slices.
A Sweet Treat
Pancakes, waffles or french toast with seasonal fruit syrups and fresh fruit are a decadent way to start the day (even if they’re just toaster waffles). To make a quick fruit syrup, place one to two cups of fresh fruit or berries in a small saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of water. Heat fruit until it begins to cook down and add sugar to taste. Mash fruit mixture if desired. Pour the syrup over fresh waffles, pancakes or French toast. For an extra decadent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
French toast can even be stuffed with fruit filling. Cut the bread a bit thicker than normal (about 1” thick) and cut a slit in the side. Mix some fruit syrup (see above) with cream cheese at room temperature. Carefully spoon a small amount of the mixture into the slit and press together to close the hole. Soak the bread in the egg/milk mixture a bit longer than normal to ensure it soaks thoroughly into the bread. Cook in a skillet or on a griddle like regular french toast. Top the finished toast with maple or fruit syrup.
Custom Cream Cheese
Mix up a custom cream cheese to top bagels. Use a food processor or hand mixer to incorporate cut up fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or peaches into cream cheese (use light or fat free if desired). Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature before using. Add sugar to taste. Savory cream cheeses can be made with garlic, fresh herbs and finely diced onions and peppers.
The possibilities are endless so use your imagination and have fun with it. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are delicious and healthy so they should be enjoyed as often as possible. They’re not just for dinner anymore!
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