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Chatelaine Kitchen

Five quick and cozy breakfast recipes

Streamline your weekday mornings with a warm meal that will keep you going until lunch.
Pecan-cranberry granola Pecan-cranberry granola.Photo, John Cullen.

They say the most important meal of the day is breakfast. However, for many of us, it is also the most elusive meal of the day. Whether it be time or habit, it is the one that we most often skip. So let's get back on track and warm up with one of our five hot and speedy breakfast ideas!

1. Steel cut oats on the go Steel cut oats are the new It breakfast food. Loaded with carbohydrates and protein, they are exactly what your body needs in the morning. The downside? They take about 20 minutes on the stovetop. Here is a quicker way to cook them, with almost zero effort. Right before bedtime, pour 1/3 cup steel cut oats into a thermos. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste), 2 tbsp raisins and 1 cup boiling water. Stir together, seal the thermos and let them sit overnight. In the morning, grab a spoon and your thermos and you're ready to go.

2. Portable egg and ham cup The best thing about this dish is that you can put them in the oven 20 minutes before you leave and you've got eggs to go. Preheat your oven to 400F. Spray a muffing tin with cooking spray. Line the muffin tin with a good-quality sliced ham, making sure you don't leave any holes. Crack an egg into each ham cup. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake for 15 minutes (medium hard). Remove from oven and let cool long enough that you can pick one up. Either have it on toast, or take it to go on a napkin.

3. Warm berries and yogurt We are so lucky in the summer when berries are bountiful and can easily be added to yogurt. However, with cooler temps, try making a warm berry mixture by stewing a big batch of berries that you can spoon over yogurt or oatmeal throughout the week. Directions: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 3 cups frozen mixed berries, 1/4 cup water and one cinnamon stick. Cook, stirring occasionally until berries have all defrosted. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste) and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook until liquid has reduced and berries and sauce are desired thickness, 2 to 3 more minutes. Spoon over your favourite yogurt. And if you have an extra 10 minutes to spare, top off your stewed berries and yogurt with our quick and tasty pecan cranberry granola.

4. Morning maple mocha Are you one of those people who makes coffee your only morning priority? (I'm guilty as charged.) Try a quick, yet caffeinated, switch-up to your morning bevvie that will also give you some added protein and fibre. Heat 2 1/2 cups soy or dairy milk in a pot over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp cocoa powder. Cook, whisking occasionally until milk barely begins to simmer. Add 1/4 cup oat bran and cook, stirring for 2 more min. Pour contents of pot into a blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds. Pour into mugs and top with a shot of espresso or strong coffee. Makes 2 mugs.

*The blending stage is optional but it does help to smooth out the oat bran.

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5. Citrus brûlée Winter is when citrus is at its peak. Here is a way to make it slightly more indulgent and cozy for a cool-morning breakfast. Preheat your oven broiler. Cut the ends off a grapefruit or orange, making a solid base so it won't wobble. Cut the fruit in half. Place cut-side down on a few layers of paper towel to absorb excess juice for about 5 minutes. Turn over and sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar onto the flesh of each grapefruit half and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil until sugar begins to turn amber, 6 to 8 min. Remove from oven and enjoy.

More breakfast ideas! If you have 10 minutes or more, the best way to be prepared for busy mornings is to have things made in advance. If you have the time, whip up a batch of our streusel-crunch blueberry muffins and then freeze them. Then pull out a couple (as needed) the night before and your breakfast will be waiting for you. If you prefer a savoury morning start, try this method with our flaky cornmeal and cheddar scones. Finally, if you're looking for cozy, and not worried about the clock, then you must try our homemade pancake and waffle recipes.

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