Breakfast is usually a simple meal that you can prepare easily but this doesn’t mean it has to be the same every day. Here are some quick and simple ideas you can try to add some variety to your breakfast club. Why not try something different each week?
Sublime Smoothies
Smoothies come in endless varieties and offer quick and easy nutrition, especially for children who aren’t big eaters. If you are a small club, it’s easy to mix up a basic smoothie batch and put a variety of chopped fruits out for members to personalise their own smoothie. Hold a competition for the most creative concoction. If you are a larger club, streamline your efforts by serving smoothie mix in large jugs – just vary the recipe each week to keep things interesting! Fooddownunder.com has loads of great alternative recipes.
Basic mix (makes 1 large jug)
3 Bananas, 1 tub plain yogurt, 1 carton orange juice, honey to taste.
Method
Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!
Big Apple Bagels
This snack is great for kids on the go - perfect for little ones who won't sit still! Set out a variety of different spreads and toppings so members can prepare their own bagel. Toasted, cinnamon, onion, plain or seeded - the list is endless and there’s always something to please everyone. Again, you can award the most creative concoction!
Basic mix (makes 1 large jug)
Selection of bagels, reduced sugar jam, peanut butter, plain yoghurt and honey, mashed banana, cheese and tomato, raisins, humous for toppings.
Method
Slice, toast (or don’t!) and fill...
Cornflakes with a twist
Cereal is a great way to start the day and get some of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs as part of a healthy lifestyle. It is also a quick, easy and popular option to provide as part of your breakfast club. Liven up your cereal by trying some of the toppings below.
Basic mix (serves 8)
1 box Kellogg’s Cornflakes, 3 chopped bananas, 200g chopped strawberries, 100g chopped dates, 100g dried apricots, 2 pints milk.
Method
Set out the ingredients and let your breakfast club create their own delicious concoctions.
Fresh and Fruity
Fresh fruit is always a winner, from chopped apple and orange segments to sliced pineapple, mango and grapes. Offer plain yogurt and honey for toppings and vary each week’s fruit.
Asian Alternatives
We’ve had smoothies from Australia, bagels from the USA and the traditional Scottish porridge, but how about an Asian alternative! You could try this Gujurati alternative - Alu and Poorlya (Potato curry and bread) with Indian tea. It takes a bit longer to prepare but if you have catering services pass the recipe on…
Basic mix (makes 1 large jug)
8 large potatos peeled and diced, 1 tin of chopped tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of mustard seeds, 2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chilli powder, 4 teaspoons of garam masala, 2 teaspoons of hing, pinch of salt, vegetable oil for frying, fresh coriander.
Method
Put a little oil in a saucepan, add mustard seeds and let them sizzle and then add cumin and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes, chilli powder, garam masala, hing and salt. Cook for 15 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook for another 25-30 minutes before adding the coriander. Add some water if you prefer a thinner sauce. Heat through and serve with flat bread and Indian tea.
Top tip: Why not get your members to do a round the world breakfast tour! Kids will be excited to find out who eats what, where. Hold a themed breakfast from each country once a month.