This recipe was submitted by Sherri for May’s Food Challenge.  If you have a recipe with eggs in it, you can enter too! Check it out ’cause there’s a great prize!  Thanks Sherri for entering!

Ingredients

• 12 frozen biscuits
• 12 oz country ham, thinly sliced
• 3 lg Egglands Best Eggs
• 1/2 med habanero pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 c Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp chives, dry
• 1 lg onion, sliced
• 6 Tbsp butter, unsalted (3 Tbsp for onions)
• 3 pinch salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place biscuits on lightly greased cookie sheet. Have sides touching each other. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. One minute before cooking is complete melt 1 tbsp butter, add Italian season and half of the chives. Brush the tops of biscuits with the butter mixture; continue to cook the biscuits for one more minute. Remove biscuits from oven and place on a cooling rack.
2. Meanwhile, in a heated large skillet, add ham slices and enough water to cover ham slices. Cook at medium heat until liquid has reduced in half. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Flip ham slices half way through. After liquid had reduced, remove ham and set or warming plate.
3. Add chopped habanero pepper, mustard and honey to the pan sauce. Simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes. Set aside
4. Grill sliced onions in 3 tbsp butter. Remove and set aside
5. Whisk eggs, remaining chives, pepper and salt. In a medium size frying pan, add 2 tbsp of butter. Let melt, and then add eggs. Cook eggs about 1 minute and flip and cook for an additional minute. Remove and cut into 12 equal pieces
6. Slice biscuits in half. Layer equal parts of egg, honey mustard mixture, ham, grilled onions and tops of biscuits.

Serve with fresh fruit and veggies.

French Toast Casserole, a perfect breakfast for our family.  I recently shared the new KitchenAid Recipe Collection Cookbook with you and now want to share one of the recipes.  I truly love love love this cookbook.   There are so many wonderful, easy recipes that I can’t seem to decide what to make.   I chose this because a pretty sweet gal I know recommended it and because we are huge breakfast eaters around here.  It’s the one meal I insist that we all eat to insure a full, energy filled day.

The recipe was extremely easy to make.  I love that you can prepare it ahead and then bake that morning.  In fact, in my opinion, I’d actually bake the night before and let it sit overnight.  While it was GREAT out of the oven, we loved it even more once it had cooled off completely.  This made a huge pan full and was plenty for our family of 5.

Another great reason why I love my KitchenAid Refrigerator!  That pull out tray is the handiest thing ever!!

It was a little overdone. I have a horrible oven from the 70′s so I can never bake anything right but no matter ’cause it tasted delicious!!!  We totally give it 5 stars.

Hope your morning is just as delicious as ours was!

Everyone needs that extra little pick-me-up in the morning when headed into the office. Whether it’s trying to shake of that early morning grogginess or getting that extra little something, people love turning to coffee. Going to a favorite coffee shop and getting a nice cup of coffee with a pastry or dessert before work would be a treat, but not everyone has the time or funds to continually do this. If you’re tired of the same donut and coffee routine on your rush to work, there are a few food and coffee pairings that you can bring into the office for yourself or to share with coworkers.

If you have more of a sweet tooth and you like the standard pastry option you can never go wrong with anything chocolate. A rich chocolate brownie or piece of plain chocolate can bring out the flavors in your office coffee, while giving you that little boost to get your day going. Chocolate treats are also an inexpensive pairing for coffee.

If you’d like to take a break from the traditionally sweet options there are many fruit options that can offer an excellent compliment, and have fewer calories. Coffee is an acidic beverage, and you have to consider the acidity when choosing the right pairing. You don’t want to overdo mixed flavors with your coffee so try and stay away from sour fruits. Stick to sweeter fruits or fruit based pastries with berries. Stone fruits, such as peaches, apricot, or plums, are another great option that offers an excellent compliment, especially against a rich roast.

Biscotti’s come in flavors for every pallet and can be purchased at any major grocery chain. They’re always a great coffee or espresso pairing and are one of the most popular foods that go with coffee next to muffins or donuts.

So if you’re looking to add a little variety to your coffee or you want to liven up your mornings’ itinerary check out some of these delicious pairings and neither you nor your taste buds will argue.

*guest post

When I told my personal trainer Sarah that I rank #3 on the first page of Google for ‘homemade pancakes‘, she was slightly hesitant to give me a healthy pancake version.  She did give it to me though and I’m very excited about it. I never even thought these ingredients would make a pancake, much less a good tasting one!  I will always favor my pancake version, however, I do think these will be a nice change in our eating lifestyle. After all, I am trying to eat healthier!

Sarah’s…

A fresh start means fresh ideas and fresh foods.  I’ve been eating healthier with all my meals and breakfast is no exception.  I know most of us buy the instant oatmeal but try making it from scratch next time!  I promise it will taste great and it’s much better for you because it will not have all that sugar.

This is a very good and healthy breakfast which I am trying implement more and more with my all the family but specifically my toddler. Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and is excellent for the heart! There are gazillions of oatmeal variations out there but today I bring you some simple old fashion Banana Nut Oatmeal!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 c fat-free milk
• 3 TBLS firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 c Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 2 medium-size ripe bananas, mashed (about 1c)
• Pecan pieces (optional)
• Dash of Honey:) (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

In saucepan, bring milk, brown sugar, and spices to a gentle boil; stir in your oats. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook 1 minute for quick oats, 5 minutes for old fashioned oats, or until most of liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove oatmeal from heat. Stir in mashed bananas and pecans and a dash of honey.

NOTE: The bananas, honey and pecans can be completely optional!! If you just want plain but tasty oatmeal, the cinnamon and nutmeg are quite wonderful.

ENJOY:)

How would you make your oatmeal? Nutrition is so important but don’t forget to get moving!!

Disclosure: I am an official Walmart Mom. Follow me and my fellow Walmart Moms as we share our ideas and tips for a healthier you! Walmart has provided me with compensation and gift card in return for my time & efforts to create this post. My participation in this program is voluntary and my opinions are my own, always have been, always will be.

Have you seen the new Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles?  You know what it would be perfect in?  CHEESE DIP! And perfect for football!!

If you have your own original recipe idea using the Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles, then you might just win yourself a trip to New York City to see a live taping of Rachael Ray.   The winner will receive airfare and accommodations for two, as will one of the bloggers who are hosting this contest (there are 10 of us!!).  How? Because the blogger who brought in the winning recipe, will also win the same prize!!

I can think of a million ways to use this so I cannot wait to see who comes up with what!!! Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles are fully cooked and low carb! A great alternative to say…donuts? hehe

HOW TO ENTER:

1. You are to submit TWO recipes using the Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles.  One MUST be a breakfast recipe and the other recipe can be whatever you come up with!
2. Email your two recipes to crumblerumble@mww.com along with your contact information AND–>please mention that you saw this contest on My Wooden Spoon (it might help me win a trip to NYC too!!).

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SUBMITTING

• Appeal: Does it sound good? Will it make readers want to try the recipe?
• Originality: Is the recipe itself new and/or creative? Does the recipe stand out?
• Use of Crumbles: Is it an appropriate use of the product? Do they use the sausage well or in an innovative way in the recipe?
• Simplicity and Ease: Is the recipe easy to follow? Is the prep time reasonable? Ease of prep. Are the ingredients easy to find? Is the ingredient list reasonable?
• Clarity and accuracy: Accuracy of the recipe. Clarity in the ingredient list (i.e. if onions are listed, state whether they are red, yellow, pearl, green, white that are called for in the recipe); clarity in the production steps (i.e. if something is cut, approximately
• what size: roughly chopped, minced, small dice, etc.); Steps written and/or numbered in a logical sequence.

Entry is open from 10/25 – 11/26 and judging by Sara Lee chefs and the winner will be notified by 12/3/10

I’d love to hear your ideas and thoughts about the Jimmy Dean Crumbles but remember, official entries must be emailed to count.  Good luck y’all!!  I can’t wait to see the winning recipe!

Jimmy Dean on Facebook where by the way, if you “Like” them, you can get a coupon for $1 off any Jimmy Dean Product!!!  AWESOME!

Official Rules

We are bacon-a-holics around here. We eat bacon for breakfast, at lunch, in a pot of beans, and of course with salad.  You know the best thing about bacon? It gets my 3yr old to eat all his eggs in the morning.  For reals!  Because he knows that he’s gonna get bacon but has to eat all his eggs, he gobbles them up to secure that extra piece of bacon. Oh you laugh but I know how picky toddlers can be and I’ll about feeding my family a good, filling breakfast so if I have to use bacon to lure him in, so be it!

Oscar Mayer (one of our most favorite brands around here), wants to help make your Easter tastier and just flat out lovely with their Easter Breakfast Kit that of course, includes some Oscar Mayer Bacon.  One of the things I love about Oscar Mayer is that they partner with Feeding America and if any of you have followed me for any length of time, you know how important that is to me.

Right now, you can get a coupon for $1.50 off a package of bacon.  Take advantage of folks..we could all save a little money when we can.

Now for the giveaway.

TWO WINNERS will receive the following Easter Basket Breakfast Kit:

• Oscar Mayer Bacon Coupons
• $25 Grocery Gift Card
• 12pc Dinnerware set (Striped Eggs)
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Egg Timer
• Bacon Press

All of which, in total, values approx $125.

HOW TO ENTER

Leave a comment here telling me one of your Easter Breakfast Traditions.

Additional entry options are, and should be left in a separate comment to count:

• Share via social networking site like twitter, facebook, or at your favorite forum.
• Subscribe to My Wooden Spoon via Email or using your favorite RSS Reader.

Giveaway ends on March 31st at 10pm CST. Good luck to all who enter!

Disclosure: I received a gift basket myself for my time and efforts. All opinions are my own, always have been, always will be.  Read my full disclosure for my blogging ethics.

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day so please don’t skip out on it!  It’s what gives you that much needed boost to get going and last through the morning.  I know that everyone is still struggling due to the economy so here are a few budget friendly breakfast ideas to get you going.

1. Have a piece of casserole. It takes time to cook eggs and bacon for breakfast. No one wants to ruin their clothes with the mess it can create. On Sunday night, get breakfast done early. Put together a casserole using your favorite ingredients. Fewer eggs are needed in a casserole than when frying or scrambling them for breakfast each morning. Depending on the size of your family, the casserole may last two to three mornings.

2. Yogurt. Yogurt is a healthy breakfast choice. When you are eating on the run, grab a container of yogurt and some dried or fresh fruit. Cutting up fruit on top of the yogurt adds carbohydrates to fuel you for the morning in addition to the calcium and protein in the yogurt itself.

3. Breakfast shake. This is even quicker and can be ingested while driving without taking your eyes off the road or both hands off the wheel. Put together some frozen fruit favorites, ice cubes, frozen yogurt, and unsweetened juice in a blender. Pour into Styrofoam cups to keep it cold. Everyone can grab a cup on the way out the door. The nutritional effect is about the same as yogurt, but without the spoon.

4. Pigs in a blanket. This is the homemade version. Whip up a batch of pancakes and freeze them in short stacks of three. A package or two of frozen link sausage is needed to create this quick and economical meal idea. Thaw out a stack of pancakes. Heat up three sausages in the microwave. Wrap a pancake around each sausage. Voila! You’ve got an instant pig in a blanket. Eat it as you watch the last of your favorite morning show or as you walk to the bus stop. It can be eaten in the car without too much fuss or mess. For a sweeter taste and less mess, add a little maple syrup or honey to the batter when making the pancakes.

5. Breakfast sandwiches. In the evening, while you are getting things ready for the next day, grill up a few breakfast sandwiches. Choose whatever you like: turkey slices, ham slices, cheese, tomato, bacon, etc. When the sandwich cools, cut it into bite size pieces and put it in a container. In the morning, just grab a container; pop it into the microwave for fifteen or twenty seconds and breakfast is served.

Most of these ideas use basic ingredients that are kept in every kitchen so you’ll be saving money too.  Do you have a favorite budget friendly recipe to share?

We are breakfast eaters around here so I can’t really afford to buy premade stuff like those bags full of pancakes or boxes of waffles.  It’s much cheaper to make my own from scratch and I have to say, much better tasting in my opinion.  They are very simple to make and even had my toddler help throw some powdered sugar on top for fun!  We eat pancakes with scrambled eggs and bacon.  YUM!  If pancakes aren’t your thing, try a traditional breakfast, bacon brunch bites or country fried sandwich.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup milk ( I usually add a bit more to my desired consistency)
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

Mix your dry ingredients together, then add in your wet ingredients.  Mix until smooth and to desired consistency. I pour into a measuring cup I have with a pour spout but you can use whatever.  Pour out onto semi-hot griddle; not too hot or the middle of your pancakes won’t cook through.  I use my tortilla griddle.  When it’s bubbled up on one side, flip!  Serve with your favorite syrup, fruit or sugar!

HINT: For more flavor, add a bit of vanilla!

Meet guest poster Dana from The Homesteading Housewife: YOU might know Dana from her appearance on Wife Swap but she also happens to be a great cook!

I run our small family farm almost by myself because the Man-of-My-Dreams is working out of state.  There is always something going on.  I have 5 kids.  I have 5 hungry kids!  So I am always thrilled when I can make something quick and easy that my kids actually all love!

These Cereal Bars fit the bill!  They are quick and easy, and super tasty.  What kid doesn’t love toasted oat ring cereal?  Toss in some chocolate and peanut butter and you can’t go wrong!

Super-Easy Cereal Bars

INGREDIENTS:

• *1/2 cup peanut butter
• *1/2 cup sugar
• *1/2 cup honey
• *3 cups Cheerios cereal
• *1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• *1/2 cup salted peanuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1.) In a small sauce pan, bring the honey & sugar to a boil over med heat. As soon as the sugar is dissolved remove from heat.

2.) Stir in the peanut butter until well blended.

3.) In a separate bowl, combine Cheerios, peanuts & chocolate chips.

4.) Pour the peanut butter & honey mixture over the cereal mixture… Stir until well coated.

5.) Spread into a buttered 9×9 pan

6.) Let cool, cut into squares and enjoy!