Pear Pancakes with Cinnamon {Breakfast Recipe}

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Every morning we wake up and decide what to have for breakfast. Sometimes it's eggs, sometimes it's yogurts and berries, and sometimes it's cereal. But every once in a while we get a special treat.

Pancakes! 

Now, it's not that pancakes are hard to make. Or that they're labor intensive. We just don't eat them all the time. So when we do, we make them special. And I have to admit, when I run out of my Alton Brown pancake mix, I grab a box mix.

But I don't leave it at that! We spice up our pancakes with the fruit and spices we have on hand and make them extra special and nutritious. When my kids were small I would add different purees into their pancake mix but now that they're older we like to dice up our fruit before adding it in.

And here's how we do it:

Pear Pancakes with Cinnamon

• 1 cup Trader Joe's multigrain pancake mix
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 1 egg
• 1/4 pear
• 1 tsp cinnamon

1. Dice up the pear into small pieces.

2. Mix together the pancake mix, milk, and egg with a whisk until just incorporated. Do not over-mix.

3. Add in the diced pear and cinnamon. Fold in gently.

4. Let pancake batter sit while you prep the pan. Heat pan on medium heat.

5. Coat pan with butter. Take a towel and wipe off the excess batter (thanks, Alton, for that tip!)

6. Using a measuring cup, pour 1/4 to 1/3 of the batter onto the hot pan.

7. Let cook until batter is bubbling and edges look firm and underside is golden brown, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Flip.

8. Let the other side cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

9. Repeat with the rest of the batter. If making large batches, store cooked pancakes in a warm oven (I set mine on the lowest setting and place pancakes on a plate with a towel on top to keep warm while I finish the rest of the batches).

10. Enjoy!

Makes 6 pancakes

Pancakes are so easy and versatile! Why stick with the same old plain pancakes when you can jazz them up? Switch up apples for pears and add some peanut butter on top and you have a tasty, and healthy meal perfect for this Fall!

Celebrate National Coffee Day with International Delight Iced Coffee

Today is National Coffee Day and in honor of this awesome day, we celebrated by throwing a party!

I invited some of my favorite ladies from my local playgroup over to enjoy a fun, relaxing morning of coffee, food, and chatter while our kids ran around us. It always seems easier to enjoy time with my friends when the kids are entertained by each other and contained in the house. The conversation flows more freely and we aren't up chasing them every few minutes.

I set out some glasses and International Delight's Iced Coffee next to my Tassimo so that my guests would have options of iced or hot coffee and the ladies loved it! Since it's in the mid-80s today many opted for iced over hot to cool down.

And no party is complete without some munchies! I set out some greek yogurt, pumpkin granola, and strawberries to munch on while my french toast casserole baked in the oven. Oh yes... I made it again!

The ladies had a little fun with the chalkboard signs I set out and played with what they wanted to say while enjoying their iced coffee. One of my good friends just had a little girl (you can see photos of her here) and we were pretty clever with her sign ;)

Once the french toast was ready I set it out with the cinnamon rolls one of the mamas brought over and we dug in. I added a few fresh strawberries on top of my serving of casserole and as always, enjoyed the deliciousness! Everyone went back for seconds (that's how good it is) and the dish was completely empty within the hour.

We got to chat a bit more as our kids enjoyed some food and I loved how easy the conversation flowed as we sipped our International Delight Iced Coffee. The Mocha flavor was delicious and many of my guests couldn't wait to go pick some up to take home. Since it's been pretty hot these past few weeks, iced coffee is the perfect way to cool down.

And with the cost of coffee house coffees rising, purchasing International Delight to use at home just makes sense. Plus, it isn't always easy to drive over to the coffee house with two kids so having the option of staying home is convenient.

I wasn't able to try out any of the delicious recipes from International Delight but passed out a few recipe cards to my guests to try for our next playdate. I was able to find quite a few recipes on the International Delight facebook app and cannot wait to try the milk chocolate muffins!

With the smell of coffee and cinnamon in the house, even our littlest guest couldn't resist opening her eyes and checkout out the party! We had an absolute blast enjoying our coffee-filled morning and definitely destressed while celebrating National Coffee Day.

For more information and recipes please visit the International Delight's Iced Coffee Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/UWMESu

What are you doing to celebrate National Coffee Day?

Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in an In Home Party campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of International Delight and received product samples to facilitate my party and review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Overnight French Toast with Pecan Praline Topping {Breakfast Recipe}

 I love having people over. I enjoy being forced into cleaning my home and making yummy food for my guests to enjoy.

I recently hosted a My Favorite Things party and similar to my first My Favorite Things party, I included a menu that highlighted my favorite eats. Since I hosted this event in the morning I served my favorite overnight french toast. It's simple and easy to make the night before and tastes amazing after a whole night of soaking the flavors in.

Plus it's topped with an out-of-this-world pecan praline mixture before it's baked. Heaven!

I even have a secret ingredient... my latest obsession, Coffee-mate Natural Bliss low-fat french vanilla creamer. It tastes absolutely amazing in this recipe and I only found out about it when I ran out of milk and only had a 1/2 cup left. With guests coming the next day I couldn't bail on the dish. So I subbed the creamer and it was the best decision I made!

Don't believe me? Then you'll have to try this dish and find out. And make sure to enjoy it with a cup of coffee and some Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss creamer!

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Overnight French Toast with Pecan Praline Topping

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cut into 1" slices (I prefer a french loaf or brioche)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup all-natural Coffee-mate Natural Bliss low-fat vanilla creamer 
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

1. Layer bread slices in an oven-safe dish.

2. Mix the first six ingredients together whisk to combine.

3. Pour over bread. 

4. Cover dish with foil and put in the fridge overnight. Don't even think about it until about 30 minutes before your guests arrive.

5. Take the french toast casserole dish out of the fridge and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix pecan praline topping ingredients together then uncover the french toast casserole and spread topping mix over the french toast casserole.

6. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly on top. Let cool 5 minutes before serving and serve with some sliced strawberries and syrup (but it's sweet enough to eat without)

Enjoy!

What do you love serving for breakfast to guests? 

Disclaimer: I received free Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss creamer product coupons to share with my guests and to purchase the creamer used in this recipe and served at the party. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Kitchen Sink Egg Cups {Breakfast Recipe}

One of my favorite meals of the day is breakfast. The versatility of it, the flavors, the mimosas you can pair with it... So I love making breakfast foods. There's one breakfast recipe that I make that EVERYONE asks for once they've tried it. And it's a recipe I never make exactly the same each time. Don't you love those types?

These egg cups are easy, portable, and re-heatable. You can switch out the meat, veggies and cheese for any other kind and they'll taste equally as good. I love to add chicken sausage to give it a little kick every once in a while.

If you have a brunch to attend or a playdate to go to, bring these! They're sure to be a hit. I know they're a hit at my playgroup. And I have to thank my friend Rachel for introducing me to them.

Egg Cups

• 4 pieces bacon, crumbled
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 1 (16 ounce) container fat free cottage cheese
• 1 cup low fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups swiss chard, washed and cut into small pieces

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside to cool. Crumble or cut up into smaller pieces.
Add onions into pan and sautee. When almost done add swiss chard and cook until wilted. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, cottage cheese, cheese, veggies and cooled meat. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or use right away).

The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove cheese mixture from refrigerator; stir in flour, butter, baking powder and salt. Spoon batter into 24 lightly greased muffin cups.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until cups are slightly golden on top.

Coconut Oatmeal with Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil {Breakfast Recipe}

We're always trying to find great alternatives to classic favorites in this home. Since my daughter consistantly eats oatmeal for us for breakfast we wanted to continue our luck with the one meal we know she'll finish. So when I received my Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil I knew exactly what I'd to do try it out... put it in our oatmeal!

When I was done making the first batch of coconut oatmeal I went into the fridge to grab the kids some milk for their sippy cups. I looked over and saw an open package of mini chocolate chips from my husbands latest baking adventure so I grabbed the bag and sprinkled a few chocolate chips over the top of each bowl for an added treat. OMG! This oatmeal tasted exactly like my favorite chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. Delicious!

I cannot wait to start using Tropical Traditions coconut oil in other recipes. Added benefit? We can use it as cloth diaper friendly diaper cream too! Who knew? Plus there are so many other ways to use this stuff. Go here to find more!

Coconut Oatmeal

• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Tropical Traditions coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (optional)

Pour milk into a small saucepan and heat on medium.

Stir in coconut oil and coconut flakes. Stir until oil is completely melted. Add in oats. Sprinkle on cinnamon and continue to stir. Cook for 3-5 minutes.

Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with chocolate chips for an added bit of sweetness!

Serves 2 (or 1 adult, 2 kids)

Do you use coconut oil? I'd love to hear how! 

Disclaimer: I received a 32oz jar of Tropical Traditions coconut oil for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal {Breakfast Recipe}

As I mentioned yesterday, my daughter now has to take an iron suppliment. We've had great luck over the first few days with making her smoothies when it was time to take her suppliment but now she's no longer interested.

So this morning I thought I'd put a spin on her favorite breakfast meal. I added her two favorite foods and threw in a third food she enjoys on occasion to find that this finger-licking good meal would be completely devoured before my eyes!

The results were exactly what this mama wanted.

The first time since we started her iron suppliments and she actually finished a whole dose! In the form of peanut butter oatmeal, of course.

And an even better bonus is the fact that one serving is only 4 points. Paired with a banana this makes a delicious breakfast for my kids and me. And it's a bit faster to whip up than my baked peanut butter and banana oatmeal squares.

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Peanut Butter Oatmeal 

• 1/2 cup water 
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats 
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter 
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar 
• banana to top, optional 

Add all ingredients to a small saucepan. Cook on medium low heat stirring frequently. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until oatmeal is creamy and all ingredients are incorporated. 

Spoon into a few bowls and enjoy this delicious breakfast! 

Serves 2 | 4 WW+ Points

First my daughter tried eating her oatmeal with a spoon.

When that didn't get it to her mouth fast enough she went with her hands and got much more!

The oatmeal was so good she licked each finger clean after finishing her bowl! Now that's a success.

Green Monster Smoothies {Breakfast Recipe}

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One of my favorite new ways to get greens into my kids is by blending them up into smoothie form. And this smoothie started it all. Now this is just your basic Green Monster. There are so many different variations of this smoothie and my kids and I love to experiment with what we put in it when we make it.

For some awesome ways to shake up the original recipe check out my friend CB's Green Monster journey over on her blog See Cupcake Run. Just search for "green monster" since I'm not sure how to link to one of her categories. 

Green Monster Smoothie

• 1 cup milk
• 1 ripe, frozen banana, peeled
• 3 handfuls organic spinach
• 1 tablespoon ground flax
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 4-5 ice cubes

Add 1 cup of milk to the blender.

Now add in the chia or flax (if using) and nut butter.

Next, add in the spinach followed by the banana on top.

Blend until smooth.

Add in your ice cubes and blend some more.

Serves 2

Baked Peanut Butter & Banana Oatmeal {Breakfast Recipe}

If you're a peanut butter lover AND watching your figure don't walk, run to go make these! They are so tasty. And super filling. And, really, if you look at the recipe, there's nothing "diet" about them. I mean they have butter and real sugar!

No skimping out on this one. And if you're like me and eat a hearty breakfast every morning help yourself to a serving piled with bananas on top and non-fat vanilla yogurt on the side for an awesome and very tasty breakfast.

My son begs for these and I love that I can make a large batch and re-heat in the morning for him.  He loves to help make them as well. Since it's pretty straight forward I can usually pre-measure everything and let him take the lead.

Seriously... go make these now.

Inspiration: Two Pink Hippos (if you don't already follow these ladies you should!)

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Baked Peanut Butter & Banana Oatmeal

• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup 1% milk
• cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 9* baking dish with cooking spray.

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Take peanut butter & bananas and mash together until combined. Add egg, vanilla and melted butter and mix well.

Add peanut butter mixture and add to the dry ingredients. Top with milk and stir until combined.

Spread out evenly in the baking dish. Bake 30-35 until the edges are golden brown.

* You can also use a 9x13 dish and cut the cooking time to 20 minutes

What's your favorite breakfast recipe?