Breakfast is Good Anytime

Make It Breakfast Anytime! Children Help, Too.

Breakfast is the meal of choice for any time of day.  Children like the texture of the foods and families like the nutritional value. Children can easily help with these meals of pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, fruit and yogurt smoothies or breakfast sandwiches.

Microwaved Eggs

Help children learn how to cook eggs. A microwaved egg takes only a minute. As children grow they may choose an egg instead of junk food after school. 

  Start by helping young children spray cooking oil on the inside bottom of a microwave safe bowl about the same size as the toast, bagel or tortilla. Show them how to crack an egg into a bowl, mix it up with a fork, and add a little salt. Cover the bowl with a microwave safe dish to keep it moist. 

Microwave eggs - Large or Small Dishes

Cook in the microwave for about 30 seconds.  Turn the egg over and place in the microwave for about another 20 seconds.  Since microwave power and cook times may vary by a few seconds, families may need to do this several times to get the time exactly right. 

  Show children how to use a hot pad holder to remove the dish. Eventually they will be old enough to do this themselves and remember the safety rules. Now heat up some toast or other breads and place the egg on them with sprinkled cheese, their favorite meat, or veggie for a sandwich.

   If breakfast is being served as lunch or dinner, add a side dish of berries, favorite vegetables like raw carrots, microwaved frozen corn or peas. 

   As children grow older and more experienced they can make this morning meal any time. Microwaved eggs have a gentle texture children like and keep their nutritional value when cooked, as long as the egg is not overcooked. It should be fluffy. Teens can spice it up with salsa. 

Add Meats, Fruit to Breakfast Sandwiches, Anytime!

Many Nutrients

  According to the USDA, although a yolk has more fat and cholesterol than an egg white, when children eat a whole egg they are getting a large amount of protein plus calcium, magnesium iron, phosphorus, salt, zinc, copper, many other essential minerals and vitamins A, B12, B6 E, D, and others. 

  The method above is safe and nutritious as long as children receive help to avoid scalding from hot dishes until they are mature enough to use the microwave alone.

  According to the USDA,”new research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption eggs does not affect a person’s lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it.” Check with your physician, however. 

photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Vocabulary Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’

website:  Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube