Better Breakfast Month #Hormel

*information for this post was in part supplied by Hormel Foods through their Hormel Extended Family Blogger program. No compensation was received for this post.

Did you know that September is Better Breakfast Month? I was not aware, but curiously, we had a conversation at lunch today about all of the National 'this' Day and National 'that' Day and who is it that determines these things. So, when I learned that it was Better Breakfast Month, it only made sense that I do a checking to see who declared it. You know what? I found lots of articles and posts, but none seemed to cite where it originated.

I have always heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. One article I found, shared about a report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee 2010 Study, that showed that children who eat breakfast perform better academically in school, behave better in school, have a more positive attitude toward school and are more likely to stay alert. I imagine, that good for you doesn't just apply to kids but is good for adults too.

Admittedly, breakfast is one of my favorite meals. So much so that we often enjoy breakfast for dinner. (although, I'm sure Better Breakfast Month is more about the time of day than the food.) Pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon and sausage are all dinner time favorites. We've even been known to enjoy a bowl of cereal or oatmeal at dinner too (especially on hectic nights).

So back to the breakfast day part, not just the food...

When I was younger (before I had children), I had a routine in the morning that involved a bowl of cereal and the morning news before heading out to work. Now that I am older (have children), it seems that I am squeezing so much into the morning (workouts, dishes, laundry), that breakfast is usually eaten in stages and frequently on the go or at work for me. Typically, my breakfast will consist of a protein bar or shake or a bowl of oatmeal and a banana. I used to rely on overnight oatmeal or a packet of oatmeal, but having tried a Hormel Compleats Good Mornings Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal a while back, it has become a regular option for a warm, hearty breakfast that I can enjoy at home or work.

(My family also enjoys the Hormel Compleats Sausage Gravy & Roasted Potatoes, as well.) For the kids, I make sure that they have breakfast before I head out the door for work. Most mornings, their breakfast is cereal or oatmeal.

What is your favorite breakfast? Do you eat breakfast type foods for lunch or dinner?

No compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are mine or those of my family. I am completing this post as a participant in the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger program. Hormel Foods provided some product and some of the information for this post.

Delicious Dessert or Breakfast

One of our local grocery stores regularly features a recipe in their weekly ad. A few weeks ago, they had a special on Michigan Blueberries and included a recipe for Bursting Blueberry Bread Pudding. I made it for dessert, but as I was eating it, I decided it sort of tasted like a French toast bake with lots of blueberries. It would work well as a breakfast as well. Bursting Blueberry Bread Pudding 3 c. nonfat milk 3 eggs 1/2 c sugar 1/4 c honey 1 t vanilla extract 1/4 t almond extract 1/4 t cinnamon 5-6 c day-old, torn whole wheat bread 2 c blueberries 3 T whole wheat flour Preheat oven to 350°. Coat an 11” x 7” baking dish with non-stick spray. Whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, honey, extracts, and cinnamon. Add bread and let stand for 15 minutes. Dust the blueberries with flour; discarding any excess flour. Add berries to bread mixture; pour into prepared pan. Bake for about 1 hour, or until bread pudding is set and lightly browned. I will admit that I didn't use whole wheat bread or flour, although that would have made it healthier. I used part of a left over loaf we had had for pasta a couple of days earlier and the last few slices of a loaf of sandwich bread. I am planning to make this for breakfast, the next time we have overnight company. For other recipes, check out the recipe swaps this week at Mommies with Cents and the Grocery Cart Challenge. Happy cooking!