Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast is by far the best and the most important meal of the day.  Nothing kicks off metabolism and brain function while staving off hunger and morning breath better.  I spent a large part of my teenage and college years skipping it; never again.  Bagels, fruit, coffee, eggs, cereal, cold pizza and on and on.  The list is endless and universal, but for you, I have provided some of my favorites.

In a bowl--try any of these simple and quick breakfasts for the bowl

Wheat and barley cereals--satisfying and healthy.  Add some berries for natural sweetener and antioxidant power.

Mueslix--this mix of nuts, grains, and dried fruit can be eaten with milk cold or hot (or the Euro-way, overnight in the fridge covered in milk).

Parfaits--mix your favorite fruits, yogurt, and crunchy cereal for this tasty and complete treat.

Fruit--enough said.

On a plate--more effort required here.  Well worth the reward.

Fried Egg Sandwich--eggs, cheese, mustard, and any breakfast meat.  Fry the eggs in the renderings of the meat for extra crispiness.  Not the healthiest of options, just the tastiest. Especially good after an early morning surf session on the beach (hint, hint).

Padre Island Gumbo--with fried potatoes and onions, eggs, cheese, and meats, this is a veritable trash bowl of breakfast.  My parents used to cook this in our backyard in cast iron skillets over open coals.  They'd have their friends over and all be wearing overalls and straw hats with signs that read "Welcome to Claytonbach" (still not sure what that was about).  If we had neighbors, they might think we were crazy.  I thought it was pretty cool and delicious.

The faves--my current favorites.  Restaurant quality, easily made at home.

Salmon Benedict--top two toasted English Muffins with spinach or basil, smoked or grilled salmon, two poached (firm but runny) eggs, and cheese.  Season with cracked pepper and Dijon mustard.  Packed with protein and healthy fats, this will keep you going all day.

Huevos Rancheros--boil then pan fry and season about a handful of fingerling potato wedges.  At the same time, brown some sausage in a pan and then add in black beans.  Combine these ingredients atop a toasted tortilla.  Garnish with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, top with a fried egg (again, runny is better) and get ready to tuck in!  

Mix it up.  Try something different each day.  I do.