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Breakfast

Breakfast

Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Tacos

BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Tacos

If you’re a loyal reader of Baked Chicago, you know I love discovering new products and creating original recipes. And when I get to create a recipe with a new product for the first time, it’s like opening a present on Christmas morning. Seriously. It’s that exciting to me to the recipe geek in me.

Recently BLENDABELLA invited me to participate in their Blogger Recipe Challenge. BLENDABELLA provided free samples of their Zesty Mexican, Coconut Thai and Rustic Tuscan blends to use in the recipe challenge, but all of the opinions in this post are my own.

BLENDABELLA is a product that’s very much on trend with consumers’ increased use of mushrooms as a substitute for meat. Whether it’s for health or for being more sustainable with food choices, more and more people are using mushrooms (usually chopped and sliced) in recipes as a hearty substitute for ground meat. Mushrooms provide a similar umami flavor often associated with meat. Umami is the fifth basic taste after sweet, salty, bitter and sour; it’s derived from the Japanese word umai, meaning “delicious.” And unlike meat or most vegetables, mushrooms are resilient to being overcooked. [Check out this great post from America’s Test Kitchen on why mushrooms are known as the meat of the vegetable world and why it’s hard to overcook them.]

Personally, I love breakfast for any meal of the day so I decided to create an easy breakfast recipe with BLENDABELLA that would elevate my breakfast taco into something a little more special. With the jar of BLENDABELLA’s  Rustic Tuscan blend, I created my version of a Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Taco with ingredients I normally keep on-hand in my pantry.

BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Tacos

What I especially love about this recipe is its portability. In the photo you can see that I overfilled the tortilla for what was admittedly an open-faced taco. But you could easily reportion the stuffing to create a taco wrap that you can eat on the run whether that’s catching a bus or train or walking. And the colors of all the ingredients are stunning. A visual feast for the eyes.

BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Tacos

I usually cook any egg scrambles in larger quantities because whatever’s leftover still tastes great the next day. Happy Taco Tuesday, and Taco Wednesday….or Taco Friday! Every day is a great day for a delicious taco, right?

BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Tacos

For other recipe ideas for BLENDABELLA, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. You can also purchase BLENDABELLA online here.

Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Tacos

Rustic Tuscan Breakfast Tacos

Ingredients

16 ounces frozen tater tots (approximately one-half bag)
6 heaping tablespoons BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan Blend
3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
2.25 ounces black olives, sliced
6 large eggs
2 ounces milk
2 tablespoons Italian blend seasoning
3 ounces shredded Romano cheese
6 soft mini flour tortillas
canola oil for browning tater tots

Instructions

In a large skillet, warm up the canola oil over medium high heat. Pour in the tater tots, cooking for 5 minutes before stirring and cooking for another 4 minutes to brown evenly.

Add the BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan blend along with sun-dried tomatoes and sliced black olives. Stir to blend.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs, milk and Italian seasoning together. Then pour egg mixture into skillet. Stir occasionally until eggs are completely cooked to your preference of doneness.

On individual microwave-safe plates, heat up flour tortillas according to package directions. Spoon egg mixture into center of tortillas. Then top with a generous portion of shredded Romano cheese. Wrap up your taco and enjoy.

http://bakedchicago.com/rustic-tuscan-breakfast-tacos/

Breakfast/ Snacks & Candies

American Pie Trail Mix

One of my go-to crunchy snacks is my “American Pie” Trail Mix. It’s got only four ingredients and you won’t believe how easy it is to make (in under 2 minutes!). I call it “American Pie” Trail Mix because it beautifully blends the flavors of warm cinnamon, tart apples, tangy cherries, and sweet maple-brown sugar.

Quaker_American Pie Trail Mix_redwhiteblue

American Pie Trail Mix

Ingredients:

Directions:

Gather and measure your ingredients.

Quaker_mise en place

Pour ingredients into a resealable plastic food bag.

Quaker Trail Mix_shake

Seal the bag and shake it up for a few seconds until all the ingredients are blended. This can also be a great burst of cardio activity and a stress release!

Then I put some of the trail mix in two smaller snack-sized bags for the car, and keep the remaining trail mix sealed in the bag in a cool, dry place. I commute about 3 hours a day, on average, and the drive home during rush hour can be brutal. Not only am I fighting the traffic but I’m fighting the hunger beast. Having a small nosh in the car that’s a better alternative to chips or chocolate means I can tame the hunger beast and avoid over-indulging when I get home.

Quaker Squares with Honeycrisp Apple

 

Breakfast/ Desserts

Peanut Butter-Banana Nut Pound Cake

 

peanut butter banana nut pound cake

This pound cake is perfectly balanced with the flavors of the peanut butter, banana and pistachios. Making this pound cake slightly sweet AND slightly savory.

pb-banana-bread-mise-en-place-41

It’s always easier to execute a recipe by getting all of your ingredients organized first.

pb-banana-bread-mise-en-place-12

Then measure out each ingredient and sort by the order you’re going to use the ingredient in executing the recipe. This process, called ‘mise en place’ – which means everything in its place, will save you so much time and possible heartache. It’s like the law of gravity. It just works, so you gotta do it! Let’s get started.

You’re going to preheat your oven and preparing your baking pan. You can go traditional and grease-flour your pan but I’ve found that non-stick cooking spray, when applied correctly, works just as well and is much easier.

Sift together your dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Next you’ll cream the butter product with the brown sugar and peanut butter. Be sure to incorporate lots of air into this mixture; it will help the pound cakes rise properly.

artisan-mixer1

Add your eggs, as instructed, followed by the mashed banana and vanilla.Then add the flour mixture and sour cream, alternately. Then you’ll fold in the pistachios by hand with a spatula. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with the spatula.

pb-banana-bread-two-loaves1

Bake for 50 to 65 minutes. I recommend checking at the 45-minute mark, because the baking process accelerates toward the end. It is very easy to over bake a pound cake, unless you are monitoring closely. The top should be golden brown and an inserted toothpick should come out clean.

pb banana bread 2

After cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes, remove and let cool complete on a wire rack. You can freeze a whole loaf for up to 2 months in an airtight container. But I recommend enjoying it warm fresh out of the oven!

deliciously simple 3

Peanut Butter-Banana Nut Pound Cake

Rating: 51

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 1 loaf

Peanut Butter-Banana Nut Pound Cake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
3 eggs
1/2 cup ripe banana, mashed (about 2 small or 1 large banana)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees. Generously coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar and peanut butter until light and fluffy (at least 5 minutes).

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, as needed, between additions. Add the mashed banana and vanilla.

Continuing on low speed, add the sifted flour mixture and sour cream, alternately; begin and end with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined. Fold in the pistachios with a spatula by hand.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top with your spatula.

Bake for about 50 to 65 minutes. The top should be gold brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. I recommend checking your pound cake at the 45-minute mark. The baking process accelerates toward the end and it can be easy to over bake your cake.

Cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before removing. The sides should start to come away from the pan to make removal easier. Then remove the loaf and cool completely on a wire rack.

Slice while still warm and enjoy with butter on top. Store any remaining slices in the refrigerator. The whole loaf may be frozen for up to 2 months.

http://bakedchicago.com/peanut-butter-banana-nut-pound-cake-recipe/

Breakfast

Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast

featured image of coconut-mango upside down baked french toast #shop #JungleFresh

Nothing wakes you up like a delicious breakfast. Recently, I was inspired to try something totally different after seeing a TV chef slice up some fresh mango. Thankfully, my local grocery store has a great variety of fresh fruits like mangos, plantains and papaya. I even discovered a new fruit (at least it was new to me!) called pummelos. Amazing!

mangos at Walmart #shop #JungleFresh

JungleFresh Shop Walmart papaya closeup

plantains at Walmart #shop #JungleFresh fresh produce

pummelos at Walmart #shop #JungleFresh

organizing ingredients for coconut-mango upside down baked French toast #shop #JungleFresh

I got all my ingredients organized, including non-dairy coconut milk and orange-mango juice, to use in the recipe. I’ll also serve these beverages along with the Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast.

toasting coconut for the coconut-mango upside down baked French toast #shop #JungleFresh

Toasting coconut flakes in a skillet takes only a few minutes, and the aroma is intoxicating.

slicing mango for the coconut-mango upside down baked French toast #shop #JungleFresh

If you’ve never done it before, slicing a mango can be a bit confusing. This video from the National Mango Board shows you how to cube or slice a mango. It’s surprisingly easy.

[youtube id=”http://youtu.be/WkCYV7v7P3M” width=”620″ height=”360″]

coconut-mango upside down baked French toast about to go into the oven #shop #JungleFresh

This is what all of the ingredients will look like inside the prepared pan before you pop it in the oven.

coconut-mango upside down baked french toast #shop #JungleFresh

And here’s what Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast looks like on your plate! Topped with the toasted coconut flakes, sliced mango, and honey, the dish is plenty sweet without any additional condiments for me. But you may wish to dust it with some confectioners’ sugar. Any way you serve it up, it is soooooo good.

top the coconut-mango upside down baked French toast with confectioners' sugar, if desired, #shop #JungleFresh

Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast

Rating: 51

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, toasted
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 mangos, thinly sliced
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup mango-orange juice
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
8 slices French bread, sliced 1-inch thick

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 F degrees. Generously grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

Place the flaked coconut in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the flakes are mostly golden brown. Do not overcook.

In a small microwavable bowl, melt the butter. Then mix in the cinnamon, honey and toasted coconut. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it to evenly coat the bottom of the pan. Space the sliced mango evenly over the coconut mixture.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, salt, juice and milk. Dip both sides of the French bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak up the liquid. Then place it in the prepared pan.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Invert onto a serving platter and serve immediately.

The coconut-mango upside down baked French toast is mildly sweet without any garnishes, but you may prefer to sprinkle confectioners' sugar on top or use your favorite syrup.

Notes

You could also prepare this the night before, all the way up through placing the French bread slices dipped in egg batter into the prepared pan. Securely wrap with plastic wrap overnight. Remove from the refrigerator while you're preheating the oven. Continue cooking as directed.

http://bakedchicago.com/coconut-mango-upside-down-baked-french-toast-recipe/

Breakfast

Potato-Ricotta Frittata

Nothing could be more relaxing than the thought of having a weekend brunch with the entire family! Unless you’re the one who’s cooking it. In this recipe for Potato-Ricotta Frittata (don’t you love the alliteration!), I use Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns. Frittatas are a type of hearty Italian egg dish that is typically easier to make than omelets. And it’s easy to feed a family from a single skillet or baking pan.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

And sometimes I’ll change it up and use Simply Potatoes O’Brien hash browns, Southwest style hash browns, diced potatoes with onion, or steakhouse seasoned diced potatoes. I love the versatility of this brunch recipe: you can mix + match any of your favorite Simply Potatoes cut potatoes products along with your family’s favorite vegetables and breakfast meats to create your family’s own signature brunch casserole.

From the front….

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

…or from the back…

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

…it looks scrumptious from any direction. But dibs on one of the corner pieces for me! I love that golden brown and slightly crispy crust around the edges.This is what I call a biteful of brunch bliss!

Potato-Ricotta Frittata Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 12 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 14 ounces shelled edamame
  • 20 ounces Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • 5 ounces shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 6 ounces roasted red bell pepper (from a jar), cut into bite-sized pieces

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

This dish is easiest to prepare if you first gather your ingredients – also known as mise en place.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and milk until frothy.

Pour half of the egg mixture into the prepared baking pan. Place the edamame in a single layer over the egg mixture. Repeat the layering with the shredded hash browns and spinach.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Then layer generously with the shaved Parmesan cheese.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Pour the remaining egg mixture over these ingredients.

Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese evenly over the egg mixture; top with red pepper pieces.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until eggs are completely set and edges are golden brown.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Slice and serve immediately.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Make It Ahead: You could assemble this dish the night before the next morning’s brunch. Cover baking pan with airtight plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Allow for an extra 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time.

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 40 minutes; Makes 8 servings.

Breakfast

Rise and Shine with Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast

featured image of coconut-mango upside down baked french toast #shop #JungleFresh

Nothing wakes you up like a delicious breakfast. Recently, I was inspired to try something totally different after seeing a TV chef slice up some fresh mango. Thankfully, my local grocery store has a great variety of fresh fruits like mangos, plantains and papaya. I even discovered a new fruit (at least it was new to me!) called pummelos. Amazing!

mangos at Walmart #shop #JungleFresh

JungleFresh Shop Walmart papaya closeup

plantains at Walmart #shop #JungleFresh fresh produce

pummelos at Walmart #shop #JungleFresh

organizing ingredients for coconut-mango upside down baked French toast #shop #JungleFresh

I got all my ingredients organized, including non-dairy coconut milk and orange-mango juice, to use in the recipe. I’ll also serve these beverages along with the Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast.

toasting coconut for the coconut-mango upside down baked French toast #shop #JungleFresh

Toasting coconut flakes in a skillet takes only a few minutes, and the aroma is intoxicating.

slicing mango for the coconut-mango upside down baked French toast #shop #JungleFresh

If you’ve never done it before, slicing a mango can be a bit confusing. This video from the National Mango Board shows you how to cube or slice a mango. It’s surprisingly easy.

http://youtu.be/WkCYV7v7P3M

coconut-mango upside down baked French toast about to go into the oven #shop #JungleFresh

This is what all of the ingredients will look like inside the prepared pan before you pop it in the oven.

coconut-mango upside down baked french toast #shop #JungleFresh

And here’s what Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast looks like on your plate! Topped with the toasted coconut flakes, sliced mango, and honey, the dish is plenty sweet without any additional condiments for me. But you may wish to dust it with some confectioners’ sugar. Any way you serve it up, it is soooooo good.

top the coconut-mango upside down baked French toast with confectioners' sugar, if desired, #shop #JungleFresh

Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast

Rating: 51

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Coconut-Mango Upside Down Baked French Toast

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, toasted
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 mangos, thinly sliced
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup mango-orange juice
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
8 slices French bread, sliced 1-inch thick

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 F degrees. Generously grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

Place the flaked coconut in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the flakes are mostly golden brown. Do not overcook.

In a small microwavable bowl, melt the butter. Then mix in the cinnamon, honey and toasted coconut. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it to evenly coat the bottom of the pan. Space the sliced mango evenly over the coconut mixture.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, salt, juice and milk. Dip both sides of the French bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak up the liquid. Then place it in the prepared pan.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Invert onto a serving platter and serve immediately.

The coconut-mango upside down baked French toast is mildly sweet without any garnishes, but you may prefer to sprinkle confectioners' sugar on top or use your favorite syrup.

Notes

You could also prepare this the night before, all the way up through placing the French bread slices dipped in egg batter into the prepared pan. Securely wrap with plastic wrap overnight. Remove from the refrigerator while you're preheating the oven. Continue cooking as directed.

http://bakedchicago.com/coconut-mango-upside-down-baked-french-toast-2/

Breakfast

Potato-Ricotta Frittata: A new take on brunch that’s easy to make and bake!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Simply Potatoes. All opinions are 100% mine.

Nothing could be more relaxing than the thought of having a weekend brunch with the entire family! Unless you’re the one who’s cooking it.

Making brunch for one or a bunch named Brady (that’s nine if you count Alice!) doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. I’ll tell you my best brunch secret: a one-skillet or one-pan breakfast casserole recipe with Simply Potatoes®.

[To win a month’s supply of Simply Potatoes, enter contest at end of this post.]

I’ve been cooking with Simply Potatoes for more than 10 years and the (loads of) prep time I save while getting brunch on the table means I can savor my some bold, dark roast coffee and read the Sunday paper while my favorite breakfast casserole is baking in the oven. And because Simply Potatoes are fresh, but never frozen, they cook up faster no matter how you use them.

You’ll find Simply Potatoes in the refrigerated dairy section of your local grocery. I find them in my grocery store right next to the eggs, so I always grab a few packages with a dozen jumbo eggs to have on hand for the next time I get hungry for a skillet breakfast scramble.

In this recipe for Potato-Ricotta Frittata (don’t you love the alliteration!), I use Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns. Frittatas are a type of hearty Italian egg dish that is typically easier to make than omelets. And it’s easy to feed a family from a single skillet or baking pan.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

And sometimes I’ll change it up and use Simply Potatoes O’Brien hash browns, Southwest style hash browns, diced potatoes with onion, or steakhouse seasoned diced potatoes. I love the versatility of this brunch recipe: you can mix + match any of your favorite Simply Potatoes cut potatoes products along with your family’s favorite vegetables and breakfast meats to create your family’s own signature brunch casserole.

From the front….

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

…or from the back…

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

…it looks scrumptious from any direction. But dibs on one of the corner pieces for me! I love that golden brown and slightly crispy crust around the edges.This is what I call a biteful of brunch bliss!

Potato-Ricotta Frittata Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 12 large eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 14 ounces shelled edamame
  • 20 ounces Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • 5 ounces shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 6 ounces roasted red bell pepper (from a jar), cut into bite-sized pieces

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

This dish is easiest to prepare if you first gather your ingredients – also known as mise en place.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and milk until frothy.

Pour half of the egg mixture into the prepared baking pan. Place the edamame in a single layer over the egg mixture. Repeat the layering with the shredded hash browns and spinach.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Then layer generously with the shaved Parmesan cheese.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Pour the remaining egg mixture over these ingredients.

Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese evenly over the egg mixture; top with red pepper pieces.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until eggs are completely set and edges are golden brown.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Slice and serve immediately.

potato-ricotta frittata #SimplyPotatoes

Make It Ahead: You could assemble this dish the night before the next morning’s brunch. Cover baking pan with airtight plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Allow for an extra 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time.

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 40 minutes; Makes 8 servings.

For other great brunch ideas your entire family will love, visit the Simply Potatoes Breakfast Lovers website and follow Simply Potatoes on Pinterest.

Baked Chicago is giving away a one month’s supply of #SimplyPotatoes! Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit Sponsors Site

Breakfast

Creating New Family Breakfast Traditions With Jimmy Dean Delights®

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jimmy Dean®. All opinions are 100% mine.

Jimmy Dean Sausage has been an American family breakfast tradition since I was 7 years old. As a young child, I remember seeing country singer and actor Jimmy Dean on television talking about the savory blend of seasonings that went into every Jimmy Dean Sausage.

Well, it’s been more than a while since I was 7 years old. Family breakfast routines have changed. And Jimmy Dean Foods has evolved with the times.  

The new Jimmy Dean Delights® still have the trademark savory blend of seasonings in the Jimmy Dean Sausage. But Jimmy Dean Delights®, all under 300 calories, are portable, single servings for families on the go.

When it comes to breakfast foods, nothing satisfies more than a delicious croissant, hearty English muffin or texturally tantalizing flatbread. I was excited to try the following Jimmy Dean Delights®:

  • Turkey Sausage Croissant
  • Bacon, Egg & Cheese Flatbread
  • Turkey Sausage, Egg & Cheese English Muffin

Create new family breakfast traditions with Jimmy Dean Delights® at Meijer

The Turkey Sausage Croissant was oh-so satisfying. The croissant was fluffy, and you could really taste the quality of every ingredient. That gooey, bubbling cheese was heaven on a cold winter’s morning.

Create new family breakfast traditions with Jimmy Dean Delights® at Meijer

I’ve typically only had flatbread pizza, so I was curious to try the Jimmy Dean Delights® Bacon, Egg & Cheese Flatbread. I could taste the whole grains in the flatbread, which I found completely delicious and satisfying!

Create new family breakfast traditions with Jimmy Dean Delights® at Meijer

The Jimmy Dean Delights® Turkey Sausage, Egg & Cheese English Muffin – like all of the Jimmy Dean Delights® products – was ready in less than 3 minutes in my microwave. I also liked that you can store Jimmy Dean Delights® products in either your refrigerator or freezer.

Personally, I love an extremely toasted English muffin so the texture of all the nooks and crannies comes through in each bite. I toasted the English muffin portion first, then prepared it in the microwave with all of the components. Perfection!

Jimmy Dean Foods brings quality, taste and convenience to my morning breakfast routine with real ingredients. Real eggs. Real cheese. And, of course, real sausage that started the Jimmy Dean breakfast tradition nearly 50 years ago.

I encourage you to try the new Jimmy Dean Delights® for yourself. Get a Jimmy Dean Mperk coupon (until 1/31/15 at Meijer) to save $1.00 on any ONE (1) Jimmy Dean Delights® Breakfast Sandwiches at Meijer’s. And for more breakfast recipe ideas, check out Jimmy Dean on Pinterest

Visit Sponsor's Site

Breakfast/ Snacks & Candies

Feeding My ‘Crunchy Snack Addiction’

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Quaker®. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias #LoveMyCereal #QuakerUp

I am a crunchy snack addict. There’s no denying it. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.

But this self-diagnosed ‘crunchy snack addiction’ can sometimes lead me down the wrong snacking path. When left to act on impulse alone, I can make poor choices by reaching for the nearest salty chip or candy bar. You’ve been there, right?

When you’re running around all day taking care of four hyper pugs (like I do), it can be exhausting. Sometimes feeding and caring for them means I’m too tired to cook (or think!)…so I reach for whatever snack is closest at hand. To help avoid acting on impulse and to make better snacking choices, I like to have readily on hand in my pantry some home-blended crunchy snacks that can satisfy my deep desire for crunchy goodness.

One of my go-to crunchy snacks is my “American Pie” Trail Mix. It’s got only four ingredients and you won’t believe how easy it is to make (in under 2 minutes!). I call it “American Pie” Trail Mix because it beautifully blends the flavors of warm cinnamon, tart apples, tangy cherries, and sweet maple-brown sugar.

Quaker_American Pie Trail Mix_redwhiteblue

American Pie Trail Mix

Ingredients:

Directions:

Gather and measure your ingredients.

Quaker_mise en place

Pour ingredients into a resealable plastic food bag.

Quaker Trail Mix_shake

Seal the bag and – to paraphrase from a popular song – “Shake It Off” for a few seconds until all the ingredients are blended. This can also be a great burst of cardio activity and a stress release!

Then I put some of the trail mix in two smaller snack-sized bags for the car, and keep the remaining trail mix sealed in the bag in a cool, dry place. I commute about 3 hours a day, on average, and the drive home during rush hour can be brutal. Not only am I fighting the traffic but I’m fighting the hunger beast. Having a small nosh in the car that’s a better alternative to chips or chocolate means I can tame the hunger beast and avoid over-indulging when I get home.

I wanted to share another quick trail mix recipe that is great for a tropical taste escape on a cold wintry day. It’s my Tropical Trail Mix snack.

Quaker_Tropical Trail Mix

Tropical Trail Mix

Ingredients:

Directions:

Gather and measure your ingredients; pour into the plastic food bag. Shake until blended and you’re ready to snack like you’re on vacation in the Caribbean!

I love the versatility of cereal, especially Quaker® Oatmeal Squares which I first came to appreciate when I was making a savory holiday snack mix for my family. You could make your own favorite trail mix blend with your favorite dried fruits. Or add some savory flavors with cashews, almonds or whatever nut you love the most.

Quaker_Real  Medleys

While my trail mix recipes have focused on using cold cereal as a base for a delicious crunchy snack, I’m also a fan of the easy breakfast. And Quaker® Real Medleys® Multigrain Cereal fills that bill to a tee! My favorite flavor is Peach Apple Walnut.

I wake up at 5:30 am to get ready for work. At that early hour, the last thing you want is a complicated breakfast. While it can be tempting to skip breakfast in favor of 15 minutes more of sleep, that’s not a solution to keep me fueled for the day. So I will sleep in for 10 minutes more of sleep and have a quick bowl of delicious (and crunchy!) multigrain flakes and granola clusters.

Quaker Squares with Honeycrisp Apple

You’ve probably guessed that there’s no meal where I can’t make cereal the star of the bowl. I do #LoveMyCereal! Even all by itself – no milk needed – cereal right from the box can be downright delicious! I especially love Quaker® Oatmeal Squares (with a hint of cinnamon). The crunch is deeply satisfying and perfect to pair with a Honeycrisp apple for a portable afternoon snack at the office.

Quaker_at Walmart_collage

I got all of the ingredients for my special trail mix blends recipes at Walmart. The variety of Quaker® hot and cold cereals available at Walmart (in the cereal aisle) is amazing. Be sure to try them all:

I’ve shared a few of my favorite trail mix recipes featuring Quaker® Life and Oatmeal Squares cereals. What ingredients do you love most in a trail mix? Share your suggestions in the comments below. And kudos if you also come up with a fun, funky name for your special trail mix blend.

Breakfast

Making Breakfast Special: Traditional French Omelet with Emmental Cheese

Disclosure: I was given an assortment of free samples by The Cheeses of Europe to review. I get no additional benefits for talking about this product or company. All opinions about this product are 100% my own.

I could eat breakfast foods for any meal of the day. And the only thing I love more than a hot, home-cooked breakfast is when it’s a holiday because it means I can enjoy this special meal at my own pace.  Scrambled eggs and omelets are at the top of my favorite breakfast foods list, so I jump at the chance to make a special holiday breakfast with an omelet dominating the plate and my palate.

Recently I was introduced to a variety of European cheeses. I had the chance to learn about how and where these cheeses are made. I’m always amazed at the artistry and passion used to make locally sourced foods – and the history and pride that goes into the process.

MIM logo

One of the cheeses that caught my attention is called Emmental (EM en al) from the Savoie region of France. Perfect, I thought, to try in a traditional French omelet on holiday morning.

Emmental cheese is made from cow’s milk and aged for at least one month. It has a lightly sharp and slightly salty taste. And it definitely takes a good breakfast omelet and makes it magnifique!

Dutch Baby With Emmental from CheesesOfEurope on Vimeo.

Make your traditional French omelet breakfast sing with buttery croissants from your favorite bakery (served of course with Bon Maman jam!) and hot, French roast coffee. Mais, oui.  Ooh la la!

Breakfast with coffee and croissants on table

Traditional French Omelet with Emmental Cheese

Rating: 51

5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

2 large or jumbo eggs
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh herbs, equal parts finely chopped chives, parsley, tarragon and chervil
1/4 cup Emmental cheese, grated

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs well and season with salt. Set aside.

In a skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the whisked eggs and stir well with a rubber spatula. When the eggs are beginning to set around the edges but are still soft and wet in the middle, lower the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the herbs and Emmental cheese over the egg mixture. Fold in half.

Slide the omelet out of the skillet and onto a place. Serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe lightly adapted from The Cheeses of Europe (www.cheesesofeurope.com)

http://bakedchicago.com/french-omelet-emmental-cheese/

Disclosure: I was given an assortment of free samples by The Cheeses of Europe to review. I get no additional benefits for talking about this product or company. All opinions about this product are 100% my own.

Breakfast

Long Live the Breakfast Queen!

I’m one of those people who believes that breakfast any time of the day or night is a good thing.

Taste Memories CoverFor over 33 years, Ina Pinkney (aka The Breakfast Queen) reigned as one of Chicago’s iconic breakfast aficionados. Since Ina’s Restaurant closed on December 31, she’s kept quite busy.

Ina published her first book, Taste Memories: Recipes for Life and Breakfast, which is part memoir, part cookbook. And for those of us in Chicago who love her food, she’s been doing a limited number of public appearances in conjunction with her many, many chef friends.

On Sunday, March 30, Prairie Grass Cafe,  Northbrook, is hosting a special brunch honoring Ina from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chef Sarah Stegner will be making some of her favorite Ina recipes, including Ina’s Heavenly Hots pancakes (recipe below), along with Prairie Grass Cafe’s regular brunch menu. Reservations are recommended.

If you haven’t gotten your copy of Ina’s book yet, a limited number will be available for purchase and signing by Ina herself.

Ina Pinkney's Heavenly Hots

Ingredients

4 large eggs
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup cake flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup potato starch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Beat the eggs in a bowl, blender or food processor; beat in the sour cream. Mix together the dry ingredients in another bowl; add to egg mixture. Mix until smooth.

Heat a lightly greased griddle or non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet in batches to make 3" circles. Cook until a few bubbles appear on the top, about 2 minutes. Turn carefully with a thin, flexible spatula; cook until lightly browned on bottom, about 2 minutes.

Ina recommends serving with peach, raspberry or blueberry compote.

http://bakedchicago.com/the-breakfast-queen/

Beverages/ Breakfast/ Contests & Promotions

Remembering my favorite destinations with Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy

Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy

Coffee-mate NEW Extra Sweet & CreamyI’ve never been much of a morning person, so a smooth, rich cup of coffee (or three!) helps me to get ready for a day of caring for 4 mischievous pugs, a household full of chores and client meetings. My morning ritual starts with a coffee while reading the newspaper, followed by another cup over email and a final cup to enjoy while thinking about the day before me. It’s my calm before heading into that day’s storm.

I’ve been drinking coffee since I first moved to Chicago after college. Never black; always with heavy creamer and sweetener. Coffee-mate has several flavors with a range of sweetness — from Original, to Italian Sweet Cream, to its newest offering — Extra Sweet & Creamy. I think I’ve tried virtually every flavor of Coffee-mate over the years, and the new Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy is by far the creamiest of their flavors. And it’s sweet enough on its own…no need to add any other sweetener.

Admittedly, I’m a bit of a coffee snob; if I can’t have a good cup of coffee I’d rather have none. After years of taste testing, I’ve learned that I like best a medium roast coffee with a bold flavor – and that’s because I like a lot of creamer in my coffee. Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy gives even a very bold cup of coffee an incredibly creamy texture.

Where can Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy take you?

Coffee isn’t just for the morning. It’s part of special moments, destinations and adventures anytime of the day or night. For me, enjoying a cup of coffee celebrates those little moments that I want to savor, like catching up with an old friend I haven’t seen in way too long or my first trip to Europe. While a great cup of coffee with Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy has the ability to transform me into a polite human being in the morning, it also has the ability to transport me to some of my favorite destination memories any time of the day or night. 

Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy #ad

A sweet and creamy cup of coffee can remind me of my first trips to Paris, Amsterdam and the Amalfi Coast of Italy. In Paris, I watched the people walk by a sidewalk cafe while sipping on a cafe au lait. And though it rained during my entire trip to Amsterdam, my fun wasn’t dampened because my cup was always filled with great coffee.  And for those days when I want to escape back to my memories of the Island of Capri, I’ll close my eyes and enjoy a cup of coffee with Coffee-mate Italian Sweet Cream.

I’ve always found coffee and the culture around coffee to be fascinating and inspiring. As a baker, I like to use coffee as an ingredient in my recipes. Nothing pairs with a hot cup of coffee like something warm from the oven. You’d be surprised what you can whip up in your microwave oven. After trying Coffee-mate’s newest flavors, I was inspired to create a Mug Cinnamon Coffee Cake recipe featuring Coffee-mate Extra Creamy & Sweet creamer. It cooks in under 90 seconds and is a sweet, creamy treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee – any time of the day!

Mug Coffee Cake

Mug Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy

To commemorate the newest Coffee-mate flavors, Baked Chicago is giving away 5 full-value product coupons ($20 value) to one reader. Share your favorite coffee-related destination memory below for a chance to win. You can also follow Baked Chicago on Twitter for more creative recipes, and follow Coffee-mate on Twitter for more delicious fun and giveaway opportunities.

Mug Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy

Rating: 51

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Mug Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Coffee-mate Extra Sweet & Creamy

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon honey
2 drops vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus more, if desired, for garnish
2 teaspoons raspberry preserves (substitute your favorite jam or preserves)

Instructions

Coat a microwavable mug (recommend 12- to 16-ounce size) with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Mix butter and brown sugar in a measuring cup, until creamy.

Add egg, honey, vanilla and Coffee-mate. Beat until well blended.

Add flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Beat until smooth.

Pour half of the batter into the mug. Drop preserves into the center and cover with the remaining batter.

Microwave on HIGH for about 1 minute, 15 seconds (total of 75 seconds) or until done. Do not over cook or cake will become rubbery.

Let cool for a few minutes, as the preserves will be quite hot. Sprinkle with more cinnamon, if desired. When ready, enjoy with a big spoon!

http://bakedchicago.com/coffee-mate-extra-sweet-creamy/

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.