Thursday, May 18, 2017

Tasty Ways to Enjoy Breakfast at Home

I love to cook for my family.  I enjoy watching my kids light up as they enjoy something I've made.  Helping my mom and dad out in the kitchen is where I first learned the basics.

Cooking gives me the chance to be creative.  I enjoy taking pictures of the meals I successfully created.  It's fun to look back!

Today I'm rounding up breakfast ideas and sharing some of my favorites.  Hopefully you'll be inspired to start your day off with one of these morning meals.
Sometimes simple is best!  Fresh fruit makes for a healthy breakfast.

Try topping your cereal with sliced bananas and strawberries.

As far as cereal goes, I love the texture of Chex and Shredded Wheat.  Adding in the cut up fruit is a game changer.  It really improves the taste.

Frozen waffles are quick and easy, drizzled with your favorite syrup.  In the chillier months, pumpkin-flavored syrup is delightful.

On the weekends when I have more time and our mornings aren't so rushed, I make a big breakfast.

A stack of big, fluffy, blueberry-filled pancakes are a wonderful treat.
  
I wanted to make something sweet for my husband on Valentine's Day.  Using a heart shaped mold, I surprised him with these pancakes and he loved it!

*Bonus points if you cut your fruit into heart shaped pieces!

My family goes crazy for homemade French toast.  The next time you make it, try blending a couple bananas into the batter.  The difference is so flavorful.


Strawberry shortcake waffles are like eating breakfast for dessert,  which is totally acceptable!  Who doesn't like waffles with strawberries and whipped cream?

Breakfast in bed is a great morning surprise!  I kept it simple with eggs and fruit.  If you put forth the effort, your loved one will appreciate you.

A mix of cantaloupe and honeydew is a refreshing way to start your day.  It's a colorful fruit salad perfect for summer when it's too hot to cook.

When the weather is nice, consider eating outside.  We like to eat on the deck in our backyard.  I light candles, turn the music on and we relax while we eat.

When the foliage is lush and green, our backyard feels like an outdoor cafe.

Your table is the heart of your home.  In addition to the meals we eat, we have meaningful conversations.  Memories are made here!

I look forward to making breakfast and eating with my family.  What are your fondest memories at the table?

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Green Tea Lemonade


 I have one sister!  She loves to cook and makes the best savory dishes and drinks.

Through the years she gained a lot of experience in the kitchen.  Recipes passed down from coworkers, our mother, grandmother and aunts are her specialty.  Comfort food that feels like home.

 I'll never forget the time she came to visit and made a pitcher full of sweet tea.  It was the best thing I ever had!  She made it fresh, using a few common ingredients. 

Since moving to Georgia, I've come to learn, sweet tea in the refrigerator is more common than milk.
  
I grew up on the iced tea mix.  It wasn't until my sister's visit did I become a fan addicted.

Now that summer is rolling through, I've been craving my sister's sweet tea.  It's perfectly refreshing and puts a smile on my face as it quenches my thirst.

I made her recipe by substituting black tea for green.  It's loaded with antioxidants and sugar  so there's a health benefit too!

Ingredients
4 cups boiled water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
8 green tea bags(I prefer Lipton)
1 cup fresh lemon juice 
 gallon pitcher

Directions
Place tea bags in pot of boiling water.  Allow to steep for no more than 5 minutes.  Remove the tea bags(avoid squeezing tea bags, so tea won't be bitter).  In pitcher, combine tea, lemon juice, sugar and honey.  Add ice and serve.  Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.


*I love you, Kristen!  Thank you for always making me hungry, even if I just ate!