Smoothies

My cousin has started her own cooking blog and shared these favorite smoothie recipes. Trust me. Try these once and you'll never need to pay $5 for a smoothie again! For me, I'm on a constant search for something that sounds appealing for breakfast and these hit the spot. The only thing I do differently is toss in a handful of spinach for some extra vitamins. Sound gross?? It's not. I can't tell it's there and even better when I use mixed berries my kids have no clue they're getting their leafy greens! Gotta love hidden veggies. The basic recipe goes as follows:

2 c. ice
1 1/4 c. guava nectar (available at walmart for about $1.50 and lasts a while)
1/2 c. vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 packet vanilla flavored carnation instant breakfast
1 banana
1 c. frozen fruit
*1 big handful of spinach

Blend 1st 4 ingredients till smooth. Add banana and spinach and blend. Finally toss in your yummy fruit and blend till smooth once more. (Are my instructions feeling a bit repetitive?) Serves 4.

*If using fruit other than dark berries, be sure to inform your kids that it is "Shrek's Swamp Sludge" or other gross concoction to ensure they drink it. ;)

I've also used Popsicle molds to freeze smoothies for a fast, easy on-the-go breakfast/snack.

For some great combinations visit Kinikini Kuisine.

Breakfast Pizza

In keeping with kid-friendly meals, here's a good breakfast one. First of all, it requires no milk which is important have bled the fridge dry of milk by Saturday. ;) Second of all, you can tailor it to what your family likes. And third, and perhaps most importantly-lots of cheese. All 3 of my kids liked it and the one who was opposed to trying it the most ended up eating the most. Wahoo!

*Breakfast Pizza

Preheat broiler.

4 eggs
1/4 to 1/2 cup cheddar or Monterey jack
1/4 cup diced ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, or other pizza toppings (some chopped tomatoes would've been really good in this.)
1 tbsp butter or margarine

In a medium-size bowl, mix the eggs, cheese, and pizza toppings. Melt the butter in an 8-inch frying pan with a metal handle over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the bottom is golden, about 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove and place it under the broiler for about 3 minutes , or until the top has puffed up and lightly browned. Cool slightly and cut into wedges. Makes 1 frittata.

*recipe from family fun's "Disney's family cookbook"