Cooking Tips: Family Breakfast in a Flash

You long to be June Cleaver, but with your morning routine, you'll settle for Tony the Tiger. Getting yourself and your family raring to go for the day doesn't have to involve an embroidered apron and an hour cooking at the stove. Go for these speedy breakfast tips (can you say "make-ahead?") that will give you energy and get you out the door quickly. Smoothies Your options are endless with a breakfast that you drink. Mix and match milk, bananas, frozen berries, yogurt, and even leafy greens in the blender, then sip away. Kids can even custom order their own flavor without making you feel like a short-order cook. Add in protein powder or flax seeds for an extra boost. Oatmeal This breakfast classic really does stick to your ribs and helps keep your cholesterol in check—score! No need to cook oatmeal in the morning (though rolled oats only take a few minutes on the stovetop). Try cooking up a big batch of oatmeal on the weekend or in the evening, then stick it in the fridge. Serve up individual portions and warm them in microwave with your favorite toppings—cream, cinnamon, honey, dried fruit, even peanut butter. Not a fan of mushy oatmeal? Try this tip! Steel cut oats have a nutty taste and more substantial texture. Egg Sandwich Love a little animal protein for breakfast but don't want to babysit the stove? Try this cooking tip! Crack an egg into a small bowl and cook it in the microwave for about 60 seconds. Check for doneness, then serve it on a piece of toast with a slice of cheese, and maybe some jarred roasted bell pepper for an easy peasy breakfast sandwich. Dinner for Breakfast Who says breakfast has to be cereal or eggs? You spent precious time cooking dinner last night, why not let it work double duty? Warm up a bit of last night's chicken and veggies, or toss diced bits of meat and veggies into leftover pasta or rice for a chilled salad.