As far as I am concerned, summer isn’t over until September 22nd this year, but as soon as Labor Day hovers, most of us start to think about getting back into the work/school routine. One of the most challenging aspects of that always seems to be getting it together in the morning, when you need to be out the door, or looking presentable for you first Zoom meeting, earlier than you’re used to. With that in mind, one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to have breakfast ready to grab and go (or grab and stay if you are working from home.) Doing so will ensure you are well nourished (which will make you less cranky and more on your game) and take an element of stress out of the start of the day. Here are a few of my favorite make ahead breakfast options. I hope you try them, and enjoy!
Breakfast Smoothie Pack
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg and food styling by Lisa Cherkasky; for The Washington Post
This thick, milkshake-like recipe will put you on the right track for busy mornings. The idea is to fill separate containers with all the ingredients (except the milk) for an individual portion to keep in the freezer. In the morning, you just add milk and blend. The smoothies come out frothy and sweet from the ripe banana — no added sugar needed — and super satisfying with almonds for extra protein and healthful fat, and fiber from whole fruit and oats.
Quinoa Vegetable Bites
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg and food styling by Lisa Cherkasky; for The Washington Post
These savory three-bite egg cups, packed with hearty quinoa and colorful sautéed vegetables and baked in a muffin tin, are like loaded mini-frittatas. Seasoned with smoked paprika and Parmesan cheese, each bite packs bold flavor. Make them ahead, so they are at the ready to reheat, or eat at room temperature for a speedy and nourishing breakfast on the go.
Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats
Photo by Quentin Bacon and food styling by Suzanne Lenzer, for You Have it Made
When you let rolled oats sit overnight in a mixture of milk and yogurt, the oats soften and absorb the liquid, and you wake up to a treat that has the luxurious texture of a pudding. With that as the base you can run with all kinds of fruit, nut, and flavor combos. Here, fresh blueberries and blueberry jam add magnificent color and light sweetness, and chia seeds and almonds punch up the crunch factor while adding healthy fats, satisfying fiber, and protein. Using individual jars makes for an easy breakfast on the run.