With all of the details of homeschooling, it’s easy to throw something in the microwave and call it a meal. But, by carving out some time and a little bit of planning, you can have some pretty tasty meals for you and your family. I thought I’d start out by offering some breakfast ideas and recipes that can either be made the night before or are quick to put on the table for when your scholar arrives at the table, ready to eat.

Smoothies are my breakfast staple since a variety of veggies can be hidden within the drink and it still tastes good. The expert in our house in creating delicious smoothies is my husband, so here is one that he is currently serving. It is loaded with lots of vitamins and sweetness so even your picky eaters will enjoy it. Add a piece of whole grain toast or fruit bread to compliment this creation.

Dale’s Sweet Kale Smoothie

Servings: 2

1 handful of kale (torn bite sized pieces)

1/2 c. berries

1 carrot

1/2 c. nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1/2 avocado or banana

3 Medjool dates (or 2 Tbs. honey or sweetener of your choice)

1 c. milk (cow, almond, hemp, or cashew)

Optional: Superfoods such as white mulberries, hemp seed, chia seed, or flax seed may be added, but not necessary.

Blend well and then add 10 ice cubes to give thickness to your shake. Divide drink among two cups.

Of course, you may take out the kale and add an apple or peach instead to your smoothies. Your daughter may turn up her nose at the color since it will have a slightly green tint. 🙂

Healthy Baked Oatmeal 

Even if your son usually bulks at oatmeal, this tasty breakfast oatmeal recipe will be sure to hit the spot! Serves 12

• 3 c. rolled oats
• 2eggs (beaten)
• ¹⁄_{4 c.} oil
• 1 c. milk (your choice of type of milk)
• ¹⁄_{4 c.}  brown sugar
• ¹⁄_{2 c.} applesauce (or 1 mashed banana)
• 1tsp. cinnamon
• 1tsp. baking powder
• 1tsp. vanilla extract
  

  Directions

  1. Mix together oil, sugar, and eggs.
  2. Add rest of the ingredients and thoroughly mix together.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes in a greased glass 9 x 12 pan
  4. Serve warm and it is delicious topped with milk and bananas or with yogurt, berries, and other fruit.                 Source: http://www.food.com

Breakfast Pops

Here’s a great way to use those popsicle molds you have buried in the pantry. 🙂 yields 10

Ingredients

• 2 c. plain yogurt
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. strawberry jam
• 1/2 c. blueberry jam
• 1/2 c. chopped strawberries
• 1/2 c. blueberries
• 2 c. Honey Nut Cheerios or granola

1. In a medium bowl, stir together yogurt, milk, honey, and vanilla until fully combined.
2. Fill pop molds, alternating yogurt mixture with jam, fresh fruit and cereal, about 1/4 cup of each at a time.
3. Freeze for 6 hours or up to overnight.
4. Remove pops from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Remove from molds and serve.                                      Recipe and picture source: delish.com