Breakfast of Champions

I have a "picky" eater, his name is Bentley and he is not your normal 3 year old Breakfast eater.  What child on Earth doesn't like Captain Crunch or Froot Loops?  Ummm... him! He only likes fresh, warm, homemade breakfasts.  Cold cereal? No way...he will not fathom the thought.  Captain Crazy's menu of choice consists of Waffles, Pancakes, Oatmeal with Blueberries or peaches, Smoothies, muffins, or eggs and toast (with jam or peanut butter, not both).  No I am not kidding. The kid thinks I run a bed-and-breakfast!  It has been my mission since he started preschool (last August) to get him to be ok with, and to like cereal.  It is like dismantling a bomb on preschool mornings.  Two crazy kids, making the hubby lunch, trying to get them all ready (forget about getting ready myself... I am going to apologize here to the other moms at preschool, who have to see me sans make-up, crazy-hair, and sweat suit clad. Lets face it, it is not a pretty sight.)  I need a fast Breakfast routine these morning, so I made a deal with Bentley.

The deal:

Me: "Bentley, how about we try cereal (your pick) on your preschool days, it can be like your special preschool breakfast?".

Bentley: "what did you say?"

Me: "Never mind, lets just try some cereal to see how you like it."

Bentley: "No, I want Waffles or Mickey Pancakes".

Me: "Let's try Fruit loops".

Bentley: "Ok, but only a little bit".

Me: Deal!

I know Froot Loops aren't the best cereal option but hey, I gotta start this kid somewhere! (Mother of the Year Award).

 The Verdict???!!!!  He likes them and according to him, "not for Breakfast all the time, just some times".  Yes, Bentley, just on occasion....I'll take it!


When I do make him his requested Breakfast choices, here are some of our (his) favorites. Enjoy!

Whole Grain Blueberry Waffles (eatbetteramerica.com)

** I make whole grain waffles since I make them often.  They have 7g Protein and 3g Fiber! 


Ingredients

3/4	cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2	cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/2	cup quick-cooking oats
3	teaspoons baking powder
1	tablespoon sugar
1.5	cups (skim) milk
2	tablespoons vegetable oil
1	egg
1	cup frozen organic blueberries, thawed, drained

Directions

1.	Lightly spray waffle iron with cooking spray; heat waffle iron. In large bowl, stir together flours, oats, baking powder and sugar. In small bowl, stir together milk, oil and egg. Stir into dry ingredients in large bowl, stirring just until large lumps disappear. Gently stir in blueberries.
2.	Pour slightly less than 1 cup batter onto center of hot waffle iron, spreading batter to edges. (Check manufacturer's directions for recommended amount of batter.) Close lid of waffle iron.
3.	Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until waffle is golden brown. Carefully remove waffle. Serve immediately. Repeat with remaining batter.
Hello. High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Decrease baking powder to 2 tsp. Whole Grain Pancakes (allrecipes.com) Ingredients 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup cornmeal 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg, beaten 2 cups buttermilk cooking spray ** I add 1/2 tsp vanilla ** Directions In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, oats, cornmeal, flaxseed meal, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour in buttermilk and egg. Stir just until smooth. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Coat with cooking spray. Drop batter by large spoonfuls (I pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake) onto the griddle, and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter. You will be making these this weekend...I just know it.