By Rachel King
You’ve heard it a thousand times, but it really is the truth: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s why you can’t take it lightly, and I mean that both figuratively and literally. Not only is breakfast the most important meal, but it also should be one of the heartiest so you can begin your day in the best way. For a satisfying breakfast that will last you at least until lunch, check out these easy dishes that you can assemble without a professional chef’s help.
Peanut Butter Banana Toast
I listed this one first because it’s my personal favorite. Besides providing you with a protein-packed meal with energizing carbs from the bread and banana, peanut butter banana toast serves as the ideal guilty pleasure for all my fellow dessert lovers out there, minus the “guilty” part. Prepare this dish before a morning workout; it’ll be sure to keep you feeling full all throughout. Top it off with a drizzling of honey for the added benefit of antioxidants and aesthetic, and for a crunch factor, try sprinkling on some chia seeds, which will also help you feel full for longer.
Poached Eggs
Feeling fancy? Whip yourself up some poached eggs; it’s much easier than you might think. All you have to do is boil a few cups of water, crack your egg into a separate dish and slip the egg into the water. Cook the egg anywhere from five to 10 minutes, and depending on your yolk consistency preference, remove when done cooking; for runny yolks, cook for five minutes, for medium, cook for seven and a half minutes, and for hard, cook for 10 minutes. Dress up your poached eggs by placing them on buttered toast, or, if you’re feeling especially sophisticated, try making some homemade hollandaise sauce. It may take a little more time, but your taste buds will thank you for the extra effort.
Avocado Toast
I’m from California, so there’s no way I could create a list of breakfasts and omit the most L.A.-inspired one: avocado toast. Avocado toast comes in many varieties, but for a breakfast spin on the dish, I recommend cooking some eggs to top the avocado, sliced or mashed, on your toast. You can cook your eggs however you please, but for the most visually appealing results, cook them sunny side up and let the bright colors on your plate speak for themselves. To boost the flavor profile even further, try adding Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning, which can be found at Trader Joe’s or on Amazon. Beware though: This breakfast is so addictive that after you make it once, you won’t be able to stop.
Fried Eggs
Unpopular opinion: I think egg yolks taste better when they’re cooked all the way through. That’s why I typically opt to have my eggs pan-fried rather than poached or over easy, and it’s relatively simple to make as well. All you have to do is fry your eggs in olive oil on a stovetop, flip them after four minutes, and fry them on the other side, and that’s all there is to it. Slide your fried eggs onto some freshly buttered toast — or a brioche bun if you want to add some class to this dish — for a rustic yet nutritious breakfast. If you’re a meat lover like me, feel free to sizzle some bacon or sausage as a side to your eggs for the ultimate day-starter pack.
Pancakes
Taking the cake for the unhealthiest choice on this list is pancakes, but that doesn’t make them any less tasty than any of the above options. If anything, it makes them even more delicious. For a fluffier pancake, add milk to the mix instead of water; you won’t be disappointed. I always choose to pepper in dark chocolate chips for the ultimate pancake stack, finished off with some drizzled maple syrup, but all these additions are optional, though highly recommended. Serve yourself up some pancakes when you’re feeling down for an instant pick me up that’ll put you in a radiant mood for the rest of the day. After all, how can you be upset after pancakes?
Try making any or all of these delectable meals over the rest of the school year. Better yet, host a brunch party and serve them all! They will be sure to fuel you with the energy you need to get through that 9 a.m. after a night of too much fun.
The Spread 