Monday, July 26, 2010

Breakfast Ideas Without Cooking

No-cook breakfast ideas go beyond cold cereal.








While some people are lucky enough to be "morning people", the rest of us often feel groggy in the morning. If you oversleep and don't have time to make breakfast, don't despair. There are plenty of breakfast ideas that don't involve cooking. Whether you prefer a sweet breakfast or a savory one, these ideas will help you start your day off right.


Fresh Fruit


If you need to "grab and go," whole fruits are very simple to take and eat in the car or on the train during your morning commute. Select fruits with a thin skin that you can eat, or a thick peel that can be easily removed: bananas, pears, apples, or oranges.


If you have a little more time, you can chop up a bunch of different fruits, toss them with some berries, and eat them over cereal or yogurt. If you're making a fruit salad ahead of time to be eaten later, you should drizzle a little lemon juice over the fruit to prevent browning.


Microwave Meals


Microwaving food does technically count as cooking. However, since it doesn't involve standing in front of a hot stove, the "set it and forget it" mentality of microwave cooking is perfect on mornings when you don't have the inclination to cook on a stove top or in the oven. Instant oatmeal is a popular microwave breakfast, but strips of bacon and scrambled eggs are just as easy to prepare in a microwave.


Breads, Baked Goods, and Pastries


Toasted or eaten at room temperature, breads can be a comforting way to start the day. Bagels with cream cheese, toasted croissants with a favorite spread, buttered cinnamon-raisin bread, muffins, donuts, strudels, cinnamon buns, or danishes can all be good breakfast options, particularly if you have a sweet tooth.


Leftovers/Make-Aheads


As every college student knows, sometimes cold pizza makes the most satisfying breakfast. While many people plan on eating last night's dinner for lunch the next day, there's no reason you couldn't have it for breakfast instead.


Alternatively, you can prepare a breakfast casserole the night before, to be eaten cold or reheated in the morning.


Delivery


If you want a hot, home-cooked meal, but just don't have the time or skill for cooking, you can order breakfast for pick-up or delivery. Your options will vary depending on your geographic location, but some possibilities might include breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, omelets, or dim sum.








Liquid Breakfast


A store-bought protein shake or breakfast-drink powder can provide much needed nutrition, and takes just minutes to prepare and consume. Alternatively, you can prepare your own smoothies and shakes in a blender using yogurt, fresh cut fruit, wheatgrass, or whey protein.

Tags: Alternatively prepare, have time