Stepping Up the Breakfast Game

Breakfast is always such a challenge. The word balanced more often than not doesn’t apply. Coffee is about the only thing that my husband and I can manage. One of us chases Gianna around the house with a pair of pants and a top so she does not wind up going to school in her pajamas, while the other tries to persuade her to eat a waffle and cream cheese—her go-to fave. Sometimes the waffle is accompanied by a cheese stick, a to-go squeeze yogurt and her daily milk fix—either chocolate or plain with cinnamon. Not terrible, but all in all, not exactly a breakfast of champions.

The other day when Gianna asked for spaghetti before 8 a.m., I decided it was time to step up my breakfast game. Now that the weather is cooler, I pulled out the oatmeal. Now, we all know oatmeal can be boring (honestly, I never became a fan until I was an adult) but, taking a cue from the people at Quaker, who offers mix-ins with their instant packets, I decided to make my own oatmeal buffet for Gianna. I hoped my creativity would entice her to eat something different and a little more healthful.

Be forewarned, this meal does require some advance planning. The night before, I filled four little dishes with the following: Diced apples, dried cranberries, sliced almonds and about six chocolate chips. (Yes, chocolate chips. They are one of my favorite complements to oatmeal because they turn the mushy gruel into chocolaty goodness.)

Upon waking, Gianna found her table already set; even her Dolly had a place setting. Although sleep was still in her eyes, her curiosity was definitely piqued. Her first questions were “what’s up with all the little dishes” and “can I eat the chocolate first”. I told her they were not appetizers but part of her “grown-up” breakfast that she was going to be able to “decorate.”  That got her interest! Before the microwave had a chance to beep (I used instant plain oatmeal), she was ready to start her project. When the oatmeal was cool enough she went to town decorating her breakfast. First came the cranberries, which she claimed were eyes and a nose; then the apples for hair; almonds served as ears and, lastly, the chocolate chips created a somewhat crooked mouth. (I’m also sure she snuck in some before the oatmeal.) Then she stirred it all up and watched it transform into a pool of—that’s right—chocolaty goodness.

Although she did not eat it all, she had fun and was able to experience some healthy food for breakfast. Kids like to participate, and food projects are no different. Sometimes I even let Gianna create "fairy bread" for breakfast, watching her sprinkle her buttered or cream cheese-covered toast with cinnamon, honey and a few colorful sprinkles.

Putting some playtime in breakfast once in a while is not a bad thing. But if you are going to make things a bit sweeter, be sure the toothbrush is close by.—Nicole Denis, the Foodie Mom

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