Menu: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner for Monday:
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Nov 20, 2021
- 9 min read
Berry Smoothie Bowl

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 5 min. Makes 2 servings
This quick and easy breakfast starts with a berry smoothie as the base. Fresh fruit and nonfat milk keep the bowl a low-cholesterol meal. For more flavor, top your bowl with sliced bananas, homemade granola and a little peanut butter for some serious staying power.
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup ice cubes
Optional: Sliced fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries, chia seeds, fresh pumpkin seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut and sliced almonds
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Directions
Place the milk, berries and sugar in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice cubes; cover and process until smooth. Divide mixture between 2 serving bowls. Add optional toppings as desired.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of breakfast already made. Toss your low-cholesterol ingredients like oatmeal, almond milk and dried cherries into the slow cooker the night before and ease into your day with this creamy bowl. Top with sliced almonds for a serving of healthy fats.

Ingredients
4 cups vanilla almond milk
1 cup steel-cut oats
1 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional almond milk, optional
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Directions
In a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray, combine all ingredients. Cook, covered, on low until oats are tender, 7-8 hours.
Stir before serving. If desired, serve with additional milk.
HEALTH TIP:Nutritionally, steel cut oats are about the same as rolled oats, so take your pick. Skip instant oatmeal mixes, which have a lot of added sugar.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
With just the right amount of sweetness, these yogurt and honey fruit cups are a light and refreshing breakfast that will satisfy your morning hunger. Opt for nonfat yogurt to cut down on saturated fat and use your favorite fruit.

Ingredients
4-1/2 cups cut-up fresh fruit (pears, apples, bananas, grapes, etc.)
3/4 cup mandarin orange, vanilla or lemon yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
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Directions
Divide fruit among 6 individual serving bowls. Combine the yogurt, honey, orange zest and extract; spoon over the fruit.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
A fun twist on oatmeal, these healthy pancakes pack the fiber with whole wheat flour, oats and chopped nuts. Top with fresh berries, melted nut butter or homemade strawberry syrup if you’re feeling fancy.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min
Makes 10 waffles

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 packets instant maple and brown sugar or apple cinnamon oatmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Maple syrup
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Directions
In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in pecans.
Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown. Serve with syrup.
When you need a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that won’t up your cholesterol level, whip up a pan of chicken and asparagus crepes. The filling is rich and savory with fresh asparagus, onions and mushrooms. Shredded chicken breast is a more cholesterol-friendly option than other breakfast meats.

Ingredients
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
filling:
1-1/2 cups cut fresh Mushrooms (1-inch pieces)
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon canola oil
2-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
sauce:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
2/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and butter. Combine flour and salt; add to egg mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet over medium heat; pour 1/4 cup batter into center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels in between.
Saute asparagus and onion in oil until tender. Add mushrooms and cook 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat and stir in chicken. Set aside.
For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Spread about 1/2 cup filling down the center of each crepe; top with 2 tablespoons sauce and 1 piece of Swiss cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in each of two greased 11x7-in. baking dishes. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a bubbly.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
Need a simple, impressive dish to bring to brunch? Breakfast banana splits fit the bill. They’re naturally sweetened with blueberries, grapes, kiwi and strawberries. Granola and nuts add fiber to cut the cholesterol. Top with maraschino cherries for a fun touch.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min.
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients
1/3 cup each fresh blueberries, halved seedless grapes, sliced peeled kiwifruit and halved fresh strawberries
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup granola with fruit and nuts
2 maraschino cherries with stems
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Directions
Cut banana crosswise in half. For each serving, split each banana in half lengthwise and place in a serving dish; top with 1/2 of each remaining ingredient.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
Cherry-granola french toast sticks are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Start with store-bought french toast sticks to keep things easy, then sliced bananas, granola and homemade syrup. Serve with turkey bacon for a salty bite of lean protein that keeps cholesterol down.

Ingredients
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 4 servings
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon dried cherries
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (12.7 ounces) frozen French toast sticks
1 medium banana, sliced
1/4 cup granola without raisins
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Directions
For syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the cream, brown sugar, butter, cherries and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla.
Prepare French toast sticks according to package directions. Serve with banana, granola and syrup.
EDITOR’S NOTE:This recipe was tested with Eggo French Toaster Sticks.
These brunch-style portobello mushrooms are hearty, delicious and have the perfect portions of eggs and bacon baked right in. The mushrooms are rich in fiber and nutrients, and the gouda cheese adds serious flavor and warmth. Whip up one for yourself or a whole pan-full for a crowd.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Makes 4 servings
I've always loved portobellos for their "stuffability." I combined my favorite ingredients for this rich, savory main dish that's wonderful for breakfast, brunch or even dinner! —Sylvia Waldsmith, Rockton, Illinois

Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen creamed spinach, thawed
4 large eggs
1/4 cup shredded Gouda cheese
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
Salt and pepper, optional
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Directions
Place mushrooms, stem side up, in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Spoon spinach onto mushrooms, building up the sides. Carefully crack an egg into the center of each mushroom; sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Total Time Prep: 50 min. Bake 1 hour + standing Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls, divided
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
7 large eggs, divided use
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
1/2 pound thinly sliced hard salami
1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
2 jars (12 ounces each) roasted sweet red peppers, drained, sliced and patted dry
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press onto bottom of prepared pan to form a crust, sealing seams well. Bake until set, 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and mushrooms; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Drain on several layers of paper towels, blotting well. In a large bowl, whisk 6 eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper.
Layer crust with half of each of the following: ham, salami, provolone cheese, red peppers and spinach mixture. Pour half of the egg mixture over top. Repeat layers; top with remaining egg mixture.
On a work surface, unroll and separate remaining crescent dough into triangles. Press together to form a circle and seal seams; place over filling. Whisk remaining egg; brush over dough.
Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, 1 to 1-1/4 hours, covering loosely with foil if needed to prevent overbrowning. Carefully loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove rim from pan. Let stand 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 403 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
My neighbor shared more zucchini from his garden than I knew what to do with. He loved this recipe—it's great for brunch or a special breakfast. —Darcy Kennedy, Hendersonvlle, North Carolina

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium red potatoes (about 1/2 lb.), cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 small zucchini, shredded (about 3 cups)
4 frozen fully cooked breakfast sausage links, thawed and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
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Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until potatoes are crisp-tender. Stir in zucchini and sausage; cook 4-6 minutes longer or until the vegetables are tender.
Gently stir in red peppers, tomatoes, salt and pepper; sprinkle with cheese. With back of spoon, make four wells in potato mixture; break an egg into each well. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, covered, 4-6 minutes or until egg whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 316 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
Drop egg yolks on nests of whipped Italian-seasoned egg whites, then bake in a cast-iron skillet. Dreamy!—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
4 large eggs, separated
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
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Directions
Preheat oven to 450°. Separate eggs; place whites in a large bowl and yolks in 4 separate small bowls. Beat egg whites, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until stiff peaks form.
In a 9-in. cast-iron skillet generously coated with cooking spray, drop egg white mixture into 4 mounds. With the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of each mound. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until light brown, about 5 minutes. Gently slip an egg yolk into each of the mounds. Bake until yolks are set, 3-5 minutes longer. Sprinkle with basil and tomatoes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 96 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
When I want a brunch recipe that has the crowd appeal of scrambled eggs but is a little more special, I turn to this dish. The Parmesan sauce is simple but rich and delicious.—Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 green onion, chopped
sauce:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
eggs:
16 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 green onion, finely chopped
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Directions
In a large broiler-safe skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until browned, 4-6 minutes. Add green onion; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon. Wipe skillet clean.
For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese.
Preheat broiler. For eggs, in a large bowl, whisk eggs, salt and pepper until blended. In same skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture; cook and stir just until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Remove from heat.
Spoon half the sauce over the eggs; top with mushrooms. Add remaining sauce; sprinkle with cheese. Broil 4-5 in. from heat until top is lightly browned, 4-6 minutes. Sprinkle with green onion.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 363 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 431mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
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