Thursday's Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Nov 9, 2021
- 8 min read
I absolutely love this slow cooker oatmeal. The steel cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family loves to sprinkle toasted pecans on top. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Ingredients
6 cups water
1-1/2 cups steel-cut oats
1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large apple, chopped
Optional: Sliced apples, toasted pecans and additional maple syrup
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 7 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in chopped apple. If desired, top servings with apple slices, pecans and syrup.
TEST KITCHEN TIPSKeep an eye on this as it nears the end of cooking to prevent overcooking at the edges, especially if your slow cooker runs hot. It's important in this recipe to use steel-cut oats, which need to cook longer than rolled oats. You might find them labeled as Irish oats. Health tipBoost protein with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt (it will help you stay full longer).
Nutrition Facts 1-1/4 cups: 171 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
My husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Ingredients
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon butter
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons shredded provolone cheese
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, salt and pepper until blended. In a small nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add spinach; cook and stir until wilted. Reduce heat to medium.
Add egg mixture; cook and stir just until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Stir in cheese.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 162 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
Here’s my go-to whenever we have brunch guests. If I have extra berries, I just make a fruit salad for later. —Dawn Jarvis, Breckenridge, Minnesota
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Makes 2 servings
Here’s my go-to whenever we have brunch guests. If I have extra berries, I just make a fruit salad for later. —Dawn Jarvis, Breckenridge, Minnesota
Ingredients
3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
2/3 cup sliced ripe banana
1 large egg
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches)
2 teaspoons butter
2/3 cup sliced fresh strawberries
2/3 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup granola
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: additional vanilla yogurt, strawberries, blueberries and granola
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
In a small bowl, combine yogurt and banana. In a shallow bowl, whisk egg, milk, cinnamon and nutmeg. Dip both sides of each tortilla in egg mixture. In a skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add tortilla; cook until golden brown, 1-2 minutes on each side.
Spoon yogurt mixture down center of tortillas; top with strawberries, blueberries and granola. Roll up each tortilla. If desired, top with additional yogurt, berries and granola.
Nutrition Facts 1 wrap: 399 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein.
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 4 servings
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Ingredients
6 large egg whites
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
2 turkey bacon strips, chopped
1 cup fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
Preheat broiler. In a small bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients.
In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper and bacon; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; top with spinach.
Pour in egg mixture. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath; cook until eggs are nearly thickened. Remove from heat; sprinkle with basil, then cheese.
Broil 3-4 in. from heat 2-3 minutes or until eggs are completely set. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.
TEST KITCHEN TIPWant to make this recipe super healthy? Substitute 6 egg whites for the 3 whole eggs listed in the ingredients. You'll be using a total of 12 egg whites to complete the recipe.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
This fruity puff pancake is a top breakfast request at my house. The combination of cinnamon, blueberries and bananas is wonderful. —LeAnne Senger, Oregon City, Oregon
Ingredients
3 large eggs
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 tablespoon butter
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
1 medium ripe banana, sliced
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, flour, salt and 1 tablespoon sugar until smooth. Place butter in a 9-in. pie plate. Place in oven 2-3 minutes or until melted.
Tilt pie plate to coat evenly with butter. Pour batter into hot plate. Bake 10-12 minutes or until sides are puffed and golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine blueberries and banana. Remove pancake from oven. Top with fruit. Mix cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over top. Cut into wedges; serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 232 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
Brunch-Style Portobello Mushrooms
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
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 4 servings
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
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
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.
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.
Breakfast Banana Splits
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 2 servings
I can’t brag enough about this recipe. It’s elegant enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious. With different fruits and cereals, there are endless potential variations. Renee Lloyd, Pearl, Mississippi
Ingredients
1 medium banana
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
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
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.
My Italian mother-in-law taught me to make this omelet years ago—she would make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner and eat it on Italian bread. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover broccoli. —Mary Licata, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Ingredients
2-1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
6 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
1/3 cup sliced pitted Greek olives
1 tablespoon olive oil
Shaved Romano cheese and minced fresh parsley
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
Preheat broiler. In a large saucepan, place steamer basket over 1 in. of water. Place broccoli in basket. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; steam, covered, until crisp-tender, 4-6 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Stir in cooked broccoli, grated cheese and olives. In a large cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium heat; pour in egg mixture. Cook, uncovered, until eggs are nearly set, 4-6 minutes.
Broil 3-4 in. from heat until eggs are completely set, 2-4 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges. Sprinkle with shaved cheese and parsley.
Nutrition Facts 1 wedge (calculated without shaved Romano cheese): 229 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 290mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g 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.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 4 servings
The warm aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar helps Terri McKitrick wake her family in Delafield, Wisconsin. Convenient toast sticks topped with granola, banana and whipped cream carry them through busy autumn days.
Ingredients
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
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
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.
This cheesy, full-of-flavor omelet is modeled after one I tasted and loved in a local restaurant. Mine is so hearty and rich-tasting that no one will guess it's lower in fat. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
2 large eggs
4 large egg whites
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped green pepper
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
Whisk together first 5 ingredients.
Place a 10-in. skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture. Mixture should set immediately at edges. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath. When eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains, top 1 half with remaining ingredients. Fold omelet in half. Cut in half to serve.
Nutrition Facts 1/2 omelet: 186 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
Two of my favorites – mushroom and avocado – make a stacked sandwich fancy enough for company or a weekend breakfast with the family. —Carol McLaughlin, Papillion, Nebraska
Ingredients
2 large eggs
4 large egg whites
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped green pepper
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
Whisk together first 5 ingredients.
Place a 10-in. skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture. Mixture should set immediately at edges. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath. When eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains, top 1 half with remaining ingredients. Fold omelet in half. Cut in half to serve.
Nutrition Facts 1/2 omelet: 186 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
When our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping, too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Ingredients
6 large eggs
1/4 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons process cheese sauce
Buy IngredientsPowered by Chicory
Directions
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture; stir in cheese sauce. Cook and stir until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains.
Nutrition Facts 1/2 cup: 246 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 438mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
Comments